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Diego Pacheco not overlooking Immanuwel Aleem with title shot looming
Looking past opponents happens often in boxing. Title fights or mega clashes are on the horizon, and someone who doesn't take their foe too seriously is the person standing across the ring from them. A prime example is Mike Tyson getting knocked out by Buster Douglas in February 1990 to lose his undisputed heavyweight titles.
Diego Pacheco is in a great position in the super middleweight division. He is ranked inside the top seven by the IBF (#4), WBA (#7), WBC (#2) and the WBO (#3) heading into his return on Saturday against Immanuwel Aleem live and exclusively on DAZN from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
A win over Aleem and a title shot is likely for the 25-year-old. Unlike Tyson, who had Evander Holyfield in his crosshairs, Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs) is solely focused on Aleem and not on what is on the horizon.
“I’m not looking past this Saturday," Pacheco said at Thursday's press conference. "We're looking forward to this fight. But we have our eyes set on the bigger picture, and that's becoming a world champion."
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Aleem (24-4-3, 14 KOs) comes into this weekend 4-1-1 with three knockouts in his six fights. Pacheco understands the dangers that come with Aleem, who went the distance in a losing effort to current WBC interim champion Lester Martinez.
“I definitely take him seriously," Pacheco said. "He's a good fighter, and I take nothing from him. But he's never been in there with anyone like me. I'm confident in the work we put in this camp. Ever since I turned pro, I've never let my foot off the gas. I've always done what I've had to do. That's why I'm here today. I didn't get this far just to get this far.
“This has been one of the best camps I've ever had, and I'm just ready this Saturday. We've done everything necessary to prepare for anything Aleem brings. I'm just looking forward to a great night of boxing and having my hand raised."
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