Paulie Malignaggi believes unbeaten 168-lb contender Diego Pacheco’s efficiency in opposition to Maciej Sulecki this Saturday night time may think about his probability to problem Canelo Alvarez subsequent for his three tremendous middleweight titles.
(Credit score: Matchroom Boxing: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Pacheco’s Efficiency is Key
Malignaggi says it may come all the way down to how Pacheco (21-0, 17 KOs) seems in opposition to the veteran Sulecki (32-2, 12 KOs) of their struggle. If Pacheco, 23, seems weak in profitable, it may assist him get chosen by Canelo as a result of he believes the Mexican star solely desires non-threats. If Pacheco seems too good, he gained’t get picked by Canelo.
The Matchroom-promoted Pacheco will face Sulecki, 35, in a 12-round headliner on August thirty first on the Dignity Well being Sports activities Park in Carson, Los Angeles. The occasion can be proven dwell on DAZN beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Malignaggi feels that Canelo would need to struggle Pacheco earlier than he improves. In different phrases, he would struggle him earlier than he bought actually good in the identical approach Floyd Mayweather Jr. cherry-picked him in 2013 when Canelo was simply 22 years previous and never the fighter he developed into. That model of Canelo would have doubtless knocked Mayweather out chilly.
“Pacheco, in his final struggle, didn’t impress me. He had a smaller man [6’0″ Shawn McCalman] in there, very athletic that was capable of dart in and dart out on him,” mentioned boxing pundit Tim Bradley to the Probox TV YouTube channel, speaking about whether or not Diego Pacheco can be a risk to unified tremendous middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
He began gradual in Pacheco’s final struggle in opposition to McCalman, however as soon as he discovered his type, he dominated the second half. McCalman’s hand pace and diving in gave Pacheco issues early. Pacheco appeared good within the struggle, firing off lovely four-punch combos with energy and controlling the struggle.
“His toes appeared slightly bit gradual. He gave the impression to be out of types in sports activities,” Bradley continued concerning the 23-year-old Pacheco. “I used to be considering, ‘He’s not prepared but.’ So, to be mentioning his identify with Canelo, completely not. Canelo would run via him. He [Pacheco] is likely to be at 175 in two or three years. He’s 23-years-old. He’ll most likely outgrow the load class.”
Pacheco was gradual in comparison with McCalman, however his hand pace was really fairly good. McCalman had very quick fingers and surprisingly good energy. McCalman would give issues to many fighters within the division, together with Christian Mbilli and Caleb Plant.
“In a few years, Pacheco can be harmful, but when he [Canelo] fights him now, that’s a Canelo struggle all day,” mentioned Chris Algieri.
Canelo’s Choice for Non-Threats
“Pacheco is a terror at 168. He’s a giant 168, as is David Benavidez. He most likely has all of the instruments {that a} man like Canelo doesn’t need to see wanting the way in which he has,” mentioned Paulie Malignaggi. “I believe it’s going to return all the way down to how he seems in opposition to Sulecki. I believe that’s going to go an extended solution to whether or not he will get consideration or not,” mentioned Malignaggi about whether or not Pacheco will get chosen for Canelo’s subsequent opponent.
Pacheco is harmful now for anybody within the tremendous middleweight division resulting from his dimension, energy, and mixture punching. I might decide him to beat Caleb Plant, and he may probably beat Mbilli.
