Key points:
- Diego Pacheco vs Darius Fulghum announced
- Pacheco is ranked WBO #2
- The super-middleweights headline “The Fight”
Unbeaten world-ranked super-middleweight star Diego Pacheco and WBA#6 Darius Fulghum will clash in a crucial showdown on Saturday November 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, headlining “The Fight,” the new monthly boxing series, broadcast live on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
Pacheco (26-0 19 KOs) returns to the vaunted War Grounds venue for the second time this year, after stopping Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round of their clash in June to retain the WBO International and WBC Silver titles he defends against Fulghum. That win, his second at Dignity Health following another TKO victory over Maciej Sulecki in August 2024, was his first under new trainer Buddy McGirt, and cemented the South Central LA man’s status at 168lbs, where he’s ranked #2 with the WBO and IBO, #3 with the WBC and #6 with the WBA.
“I’m excited to be fighting in Los Angeles again,” said Pacheco. “I just fought here in July and came away with a knockout win. Every time I’ve fought in Los Angeles, I’ve knocked out my opponent, so I’m looking forward to continuing that streak and putting on another great performance for my hometown fans.
“Darius Fulghum is a talented and hungry fighter, and I respect what he brings to the ring. I know he sees this as his opportunity, but I see it as another step toward becoming a world champion. I’m preparing for the best version of him, and on fight night, I’m going to remind everyone why I’m one of the top fighters in the division.
“Fighting on TNT and DAZN is a big opportunity for me to introduce myself to a wider audience. I’ve worked my entire life for moments like this, and I’m ready to show everyone watching that I belong among the best fighters in the world.”
Fulghum (15-1-1 13 KOs) has his eyes on Pacheco’s rankings and belts, and the Houstonian steps into the biggest fight of his career to date with the same World title aspirations as his 25-year-old opponent. ‘DFG’ landed the 15th win of his career in May with a third-round stoppage victory over Yoanki Urrutia in San Jose, and the WBO #5 is certain victory on November 14 leads to the ultimate goal.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to face Pacheco,” said Fulghum. “The winner of this fight puts us at the door of a world title opportunity. Something we both have been dreaming of. The stakes are high and November 14, I’m leaving no doubt. I’m putting everything on the line and the fans will see the best version of DFG.
“There is no better opportunity to showcase myself than in his backyard of Los Angeles and live on TNT and DAZN. I’m bringing the DFG army with me and we’re going to show out for this one. The stage is set for me to emerge as a future World champion.”
“This is a great fight and a very important one for Diego, Darius and the 168lb division,” said Eddie Hearn. “Diego is gelling well with Buddy and will show more from his bag on November 14 – but Darius is a dangerous and hungry man who has the same ambition as Diego, to become World champion in 2027. It’s another great fight made between Matchroom and Golden Boy, and we are excited to bring it to the War Grounds and to TNT and DAZN, it’s going to be an electric night.”
“Darius Fulghum has a tremendous opportunity ahead of him and is knocking on the door of a World title shot,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. “These are the kinds of fights that boxing needs, potential World title contenders willing to take risks and promoters like Golden Boy and Matchroom who aren’t afraid to match their fighters tough.”