The renewal comes months after Pacheco, 25-0 (18 KOs), endured one of the most criticized outings of his career. The 6-foot-4 contender was knocked down in the eighth round of his unanimous decision victory over Sadjo and spent much of the fight clinching. The performance led some fans to question whether Matchroom would allow Pacheco’s contract to expire this summer rather than commit to a new deal.
Instead, promoter Eddie Hearn’s company has doubled down on the 25-year-old Los Angeles native, who remains highly ranked by the major sanctioning bodies despite a recent slide in momentum.
Pacheco has made significant changes outside the ring since the Sadjo fight. He joined Sheer Sports, bringing veteran boxing executive Robert Diaz into his team, while also enlisting Hall of Fame trainer Buddy McGirt to oversee the next stage of his career.
“I’m looking forward to taking him to the world title,” Diaz said to Boxingscene about Pacheco.
Despite the criticism surrounding some of his recent performances, Pacheco remains firmly in the title picture at 168 pounds. He is currently ranked #3 by the WBO, #4 by both the IBF and WBC, and #7 by the WBA.
His opponent, Aleem, enters the contest with a record of 22-4-3 (14 KOs). The 32-year-old most recently challenged Lester Martinez for the WBC interim super middleweight title in March, losing by unanimous decision.
For Pacheco, the July 18 bout represents more than another appearance on his unbeaten record. It will serve as the first opportunity to showcase the changes made since his December victory over Kevin Lele Sadjo, including the additions of Buddy McGirt and Sheer Sports.
The July 18 contest will also mark Pacheco’s first fight under his renewed agreement with Matchroom Boxing, which has reaffirmed its commitment to one of the division’s highest-rated contenders despite the criticism surrounding some of his recent performances.