Diego Pacheco, Rocky Hernandez, Dalton Smith top upcoming cards
Matchroom Boxing and DAZN announce trio of events
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A trio of fighters known for engaging in entertaining bouts — Diego Pacheco, Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez and Dalton Smith — will each headline a DAZN card this summer, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn announced.
Here’s a look at the three main events:
Aug. 31 at Carson, Calfornia
Super middleweight up-and-comer Pacheco, the 2023 Fight Freaks Unite prospect of the year, will face veteran Maciej Sulecki in a 12-rounder at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Pacheco (21-0, 17 KOs), 23, of Los Angeles, will headline for the second time in his home region. But he is stepping up to face the most notable opponent of his career in former world title challenger Sulecki on what will be the first card Matchroom Boxing will put on at the famed Carson venue that has hosted numerous memorable fights.
“Diego is banging on the door for a shot at the big guns and world titles at 168 pounds,” Hearn said. “But Maciej always brings the action and this is an important night for Diego to keep showing the world that he’s the real deal.”
In November, Pacheco stopped former world title challenger Marcelo Coceres in the ninth round at YouTube Theater in Inglewood. Pacheco then outpointed then-unbeaten Shawn McCalman in a 10-rounder in April in Las Vegas.
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“I’m excited to be headlining at home again,” Pacheco said. “I’m looking forward to an amazing night. Sulecki is always in good fights, and he’s shared the ring with some great fighters and caused them problems, but I feel great about the way my career is heading and I’m looking forward to taking another big step towards a world title shot.”
Sulecki (32-2, 12 KOs), 35, of Poland, is vastly experienced and has won four fights in a row since getting knocked down and losing a shutout decision challenging Demetrius Andrade in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, for the WBO middleweight title in June 2019. He is coming off a 10-round decision over Rowdy Montgomery on May 31.
“After a few surgeries, I’m back at where I should be,” Sulecki said. “I will take young Pacheco into deep waters. This is a fight we had looked at for a while now and with my new trainers we are going to leave Los Angeles victorious.”
Sept. 13 at Hermosillo, Mexico
All-action junior lightweight contender Hernandez will face Thomas Mattice in a 12-rounder at a venue to be determined in a fight announced after Hernandez signed a multi-fight contract extension with Matchroom Boxing.
Mexico’s Hernandez (35-2, 32 KOs), 26, was on the losing end of thrilling fight when he challenged O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC 130-pound title in Cancun, Mexico, in October. Hernandez was ahead on two scorecards going into the 12th round before Foster rallied for a knockout win with 22 seconds left for the ultra dramatic finish.
Hernandez bounced back with a seventh-round knockout of Daniel Lugo in May in an action-packed battle in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and then Hernandez, manager Hector Fernandez and the Matchroom team got the new contract done.
“The goal is clear — become a world champion. I came so close, and I know that it is in my future,” Hernandez said. “Mattice is a great fighter and he’s been overlooked. He is very talented, and he has a similar style to Foster, so I want to prove to the world that I’m more than ready for him, and anyone else I need to fight to become a world champion.”
Hearn hopes to deliver another title opportunity to Hernandez.
“Rocky is one of the most exciting fighters in the world, so we’re delighted with this deal,” Hearn said. “Rocky came tantalizingly close to winning the WBC title, but there’s no doubt in my mind that another shot at the strap is on the horizon. And this time, he’ll get it done.”
Mattice (22-3-1, 17 KOs), 33, of Cleveland, has won five fights in a row as heads to Hernandez’s home country for the fight.
“This fight gives me the chance to make myself a bigger player in the junior lightweight division and establish my presence,” Mattice said. “It’s gonna be every bit as exciting as all my fights are. I’m ready to challenge myself with the top guys and it start with this fight in Hermosillo.”
Sept. 28 at Sheffield, England
Junior welterweight Smith and Jon Fernandez will square off for the vacant European title at the Utilita Arena in Smith’s hometown.
“Dalton, like Diego and Rocky, is a world champion in waiting in my eyes, and wants all the smoke,” Hearn said.
Smith (16-0, 12 KOs), 27, who is the reigning British and Commonwealth champion, is coming off his biggest win, a fifth-round knockout of longtime contender and former title challenger Jose Zepeda, who he put away with a body shot on March 23.
“The English, British and Commonwealth (belts) are all on my mantelpiece, so this fight is about completing the domestic collection before moving on to world titles,” Smith said. “(Adam) Azim chose to vacate the European title rather than face me, but Jon Fernandez is game to fight anyone.
“I don’t underestimate him, but the best Dalton Smith beats him in spectacular fashion and that’s what I’ll be looking to do. After this it’s all about securing that world title shot as I feel ready.”
Fernandez (26-3, 22 KOs), 28, of Spain, who dropped a 10-rounder to Foster in a nontitle bout in 2018, has won three fights in a row since teaming with renowned trainer Ismael Salas.
“It's definitely a great opportunity for my career that I plan to take advantage of,” Fernandez said of the fight with Smith. “I will prepare for this fight in Las Vegas like the last three fights with Ismael Salas. We know it will be a tough fight, a war, so we will prepare for it. I hope to make all the fans enjoy the fight.”
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Got any inside info on Caleb Plant vs ? In Orlando, is it gonna happen?
Glad to see we’re back to calling it the “War Grounds.”