Diego Pacheco Faces Darius Fulghum in Crucial Super Middleweight Showdown in Carson
Diego Pacheco will put his unbeaten record and regional titles on the line when he meets Darius Fulghum on November 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The 168lb contest brings together two highly ranked contenders with ambitions of securing a world championship opportunity in 2027. It also represents another significant collaboration between Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, with the fight forming part of the new monthly series, The Fight.
Pacheco enters the contest with a record of 26 wins and no defeats, including 19 knockouts. The 25 year old Californian returns to the venue known as the War Grounds for the second time in 2026, looking to build on a successful homecoming earlier in the year.
His previous appearance saw him stop Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round in June, retaining the WBO International and WBC Silver super middleweight titles. It was also his first victory under trainer Buddy McGirt, following a change in his coaching team.
Pacheco’s record now stands at 26 wins from 26 professional contests, with 19 knockouts. He has steadily moved towards the top of the super middleweight division, but the next step requires him to deal with an opponent who has genuine ambitions of his own.
Fulghum enters with 15 victories, one defeat and one draw, including 13 knockouts. The Houston based contender secured his latest win in May, stopping Yoanki Urrutia in the third round to return to winning ways.
His only professional defeat came against Bektemir Melikuziev in May 2025, while he subsequently drew with David Stevens in November of that year. The victory over Urrutia was an important response, and a win over Pacheco would represent a major breakthrough in his career. Golden Boy Promotions+2
The stakes are particularly significant because Pacheco’s WBC Silver title will be on the line. The World Boxing Council has confirmed the championship defence, giving Fulghum his first opportunity to fight for a WBC title. Pacheco will also defend his WBO International championship. World Boxing Council+1
For Pacheco, the contest is another opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready for the division’s leading names. His victory over Aleem was an important performance after a period in which questions had been raised about his progress towards a world title challenge. Under the guidance of Buddy McGirt, he will be looking to maintain that momentum.
Fulghum, however, has little reason to travel to California simply to make up the numbers. He believes victory will put him within reach of a world championship opportunity, and the chance to defeat an unbeaten contender on a major broadcast platform is precisely the kind of opportunity he has been working towards.
Eddie Hearn believes the fight offers a genuine test for both men, describing Fulghum as a dangerous opponent with the same ambition as Pacheco: becoming world champion in 2027.
Golden Boy chairman Oscar De La Hoya has also welcomed the matchup, highlighting the importance of leading contenders being prepared to take meaningful risks rather than protecting their records.
The event will be part of The Fight, the monthly boxing series launched through the partnership between TNT Sports and DAZN. In the United States, the broadcast will be shared across TNT, truTV and DAZN, with DAZN carrying the event internationally.
The undercard is expected to be announced separately.
For Pacheco, November 14 is another opportunity to move closer to the world championship stage. For Fulghum, it is the chance to change his position in the division with the biggest victory of his career.
One unbeaten record is on the line, two championship belts are at stake, and both fighters believe the winner will be well positioned for a world title opportunity.
