Pacheco vs. Sulecki Preview
The Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California will host a dynamic fight in the super middleweight division on Saturday, August 31. Undefeated prospect Diego Pacheco will battle former title challenger Maciej Sulecki.
Pacheco (21-0, 17 KO) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Shawn McCalman in April, but the decision put an end to his nine-fight finish streak. The 23-year-old was ranked as the top amateur middleweight in North America prior to turning pro in 2018 at 19 years old.
The Los Angeles native is ready to leave everything in the ring. “Maciej is a veteran, he’s been in some tough fights and he’s fought some good champions,” said Pacheco. “I’m just looking forward to adding him to my resume. He’s another guy that’s looking to take this away from me, but I’ve put the work in, I have God on my side and that’s all that matters… There’s nothing that can stop me.
“Maciej has had harder fights than my other opponents. He’s boxed some great fighters and he’s fought for a world [WBO] title and he’s beaten a lot of good fighters too. So, we won’t know until I’m in the ring with him if he’s my toughest fight but I’m treating this fight like it’s my last fight and I’m ready for the best of him.”
While Sulecki has faced two former champions, Pacheco believes he will be his toughest test. “I’m a special fighter,” explained Pacheco. “All respect to Jacobs and Andrade but I think stylistically I’m more of a power puncher; I’m a better counter-puncher, I just have it all. I can work inside and go to the body, I can outbox my opponents and frustrate them and get them to open up. It’s just a matter of how the fight goes; I’m ready for whatever he brings and I believe I’ll get the knockout.
“I don’t like to do too much studying, because you can study, and study, and study, and then on fight night you meet something completely different. I prefer to adjust when I’m in there, so we’ll see what he brings on Saturday.”
Sulecki is known for his ability to take punishment so Pacheco will have his hands full if he chooses to take the fight to him. If he can finish the veteran, he will catch the attention of the rest of the division and be primed for a title eliminator fight.
While Sulecki has been criticized by the pundits for fighting middle competition since losing a title fight in 2019, the Polish fighter believes he has more than enough experience to stop Pacheco in his tracks.
“Diego Pacheco hasn’t been tested in big fights, big challenges. He’s the guy you need to be cautious about. He’s the guy who makes mistakes, and we have to capitalize on those mistakes,” said Sulecki. “He’s not been tested yet.”
The 35-year-old continued, “He’s a young, strong fighter with ambition, but he hasn’t been in the ring with such an experienced fighter as me,” said Sulecki. “Up to now, he’s been fighting the opponents from the second and third leagues. However, I can say he’s good and we’ll see how he’ll undergo a very serious test from me.”
Sulecki (31-2, 12 KO) thinks his proven experience fighting top contenders and champions will be too much for Pacheco to handle. “I’m sure I have self-discipline. Great skills, a tough jaw, huge character, and the will to fight,” said Sulecki.
While Sulecki has wins over Hugo Centeno Jr, Jack Culcay and Gabriel Rosado; a win over Pacheco would be a strong reminder why he challenged for a title. A victory over a top ten surging contender could put Sulecki in a prime position for another title eliminator fight.
The fight can be seen on DAZN Worldwide and main ring walks start at 11:00pm ET
