Diego Pacheco Will defend his WBC Silver and WBO International Super-Middleweight Titles against Immanuwel Aleem in Carson, CA

Pacheco (25-0 18 KOs) holds lofty positions in all the governing bodies – #3 WBO, #4 WBC and IBF, #7 WBA – and will be out to impress on a night that represents a new chapter in his blossoming career. The LA star penned a new deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom over the weekend, and July 18 will be his first fight with new trainer Buddy McGirt, and the 25-year-old fights at the esteemed California coliseum known as the War Grounds for the second time, having previously KO’d Maciej Sulecki there in 2024.

Aleem (22-4-3 14 KOs) has his own title aspirations and at a fiery first face-off in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday before Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez became a three-weight World ruler, the 32-year-old told Pacheco in no uncertain terms that he was the man to hand him his first defeat. ‘The Chosen One’ will be looking to crash into the top-end of the rankings with the biggest win of his career and bounce back from defeat in his last outing in March, a distance reversal against Lester Martinez for the interim WBC World title.

“I’m very happy to be extending my deal with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn, who have believed in me since I was 17,” said Pacheco. “This second chapter of my career is about legacy and becoming a World champion, and it all starts July 18.”

“I have earned my place in this sport, and I intend to keep moving forward,” said Aleem. “There is no doubt in my mind. There is no hesitation in my preparation. There is no uncertainty in my purpose. I am prepared. I am focused. I am ready. And when the moment arrives, I’ll do what I’ve trained my entire life to do, perform at my highest level and leave no questions behind – my hand will be raised on July 18.”

A stacked undercard is led by a massive fight in the Lightweight division as Andy Cruz and Albert Bell clash in a final eliminator for the IBF World title. Cruz (6-1 3 KOs) is hunting his second crack at the IBF strap having been edged out in his first World title showdown by defending champion Raymond Muratalla in Las Vegas in January. The Cuban Olympic hero will put himself back in line for the belt but meets stiff opposition in Bell (28-0 9 KOs), the unbeaten Ohioan who will view this as his coming out party if he can hand back-to-back defeats to Cruz.

“I’ve already proven that I belong at the World championship level,” said Cruz. “Now it’s time to earn that opportunity once again. Albert Bell is a good fighter, but I’m focused, motivated, and ready to take the next step. This final eliminator is my chance to get back where I belong—fighting for the IBF World title.”

“I’m really looking forward to this fight and long-awaited opportunity,” said Bell. “Being an avoided fighter for a big portion of my career I’m just ready to show the world who I am, and that’s one of the best in the boxing business. I’m happy I finally get to showcase what I bring to the table against world class opposition on boxing’s biggest network. After July 18 the lightweight division will officially have a new player in the mix to be “the guy” at 135lbs.”

Albert ‘Chop Chop’ Gonzalez is a hotly tipped name for the future, and he takes on Aaron Lopez Alameda over ten rounds at Featherweight. Gonzalez (17-0 10 KOs) has already landed two wins inside the ten-round distance this year in January and March, and the Robert Garcia-trained 24-year-old will be hunting a fourth straight stoppage win to put the Featherweight division on notice against former World title challenger Alameda (30-3 17 KOs).

“First and foremost, I want to thank God, my team, and everyone who supports me,” said Gonzalez. “I also want to thank Top Rank, Matchroom, and DAZN for this opportunity. Fighting at home in Southern California on a card this big means a lot to me. Aaron Alameda has fought for a World title before, so I know how tough he is. I’ve been putting in all the work, so now it’s my time to shine. I’m going to put on a great show on July 18.”

British Heavyweight starlet Leo Atang makes his American debut on the card and will be looking to continue his destructive start to life in the paid ranks. Atang (7-0 6 KOs) bagged a sixth KO win in seven pro-outings in June, adding Fouad Shaili to a list of five victims that have failed to reach the second round against him.

“The worldwide tour continues,” said Atang, who will fight over six rounds against an opponent to be named soon. “I’m buzzing to be making my American debut on such a great card. I’m always grateful for the opportunities I am being given at such a young age, and this will definitely be a great experience. I can’t wait to get another knockout win on July 18. It’s LA in LA. Make sure you tune in, live on DAZN.”

Atang is joined by another young Matchroom tyro as Frank Espinoza fights for the fifth time in the paid ranks and will be hunting a fifth straight KO win over six rounds, with an opponent to be announced in due course, and further undercard additions will be confirmed soon.