Notebook: Pacheco, now with trainer McGirt, to fight Aleem on July 18
Benavidez in negotiations for unification bout; new challenger for Collazo; Verhoeven appeal denied; Katie Taylor farewell sells out; Quick hits; Show & tell double
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Super middleweight contender Diego Pacheco, on the doorstep of a world title opportunity, will face Immanuwel Aleem in a 12-rounder on July 18 (DAZN) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, Matchroom Boxing announced.
The announcement of the fight, which was made with the fighters facing off in the ring just prior to the Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez-Antonio Vargas main event on Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona, coincided with Pacheco and Matchroom Boxing extending their promotional agreement.
“I’m very happy to be extending my deal with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn, who have believed in me since I was 17,” Pacheco said. “This second chapter of my career is about legacy and becoming a world champion, and it all starts July 18.”
Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs), 25, of East Los Angeles, who is coming off getting knocked down but ultimately winning a competitive decision over then-undefeated Kevin Lele Sadjo in December, will go into the fight with Buddy McGirt as his head trainer for the first time since parting ways with Jose Benavidez Sr.
