Imagine a young fighter on the brink of superstardom, eyeing the top of the super middleweight division with unyielding ambition—that's Diego Pacheco, and his path just got a whole lot tougher. But here's where it gets controversial: is this matchup a golden opportunity or a risky gamble that could derail his rise? Dive in as we unpack the excitement and debates surrounding the December 13 DAZN event.
Diego Pacheco isn't just talking big; he's dead serious about conquering the 168-pound ranks, and a formidable challenge lies ahead. The rising star will square off against Kevin Lele Sadjo in a clash of undefeated contenders that will lead the bill at a DAZN broadcast from Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California. Matchroom Boxing announced the event on Saturday, and it's shaping up to be a stellar night that could redefine careers.
Adding to the buzz, the card includes BoxingScene’s 2024 Prospect of the Year, Ernesto 'Tito' Mercado, who's been grappling with a streak of bad fortune as opponents keep dropping out. At just 23 years old and fighting at 140 pounds, the Pomona, California native is still waiting on his opponent announcement, but his presence alone promises high-energy action.
Speaking of intriguing discussions, don't miss today's BoxingScene Today episode where we sift through the latest Mailbag submissions about Lamont Roach versus Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz. Fans are weighing in with their predictions, and we're breaking down how their distinct styles—Roach's technical precision versus Cruz's relentless pressure—might collide in what could be a thrilling spectacle.
Dated for Friday, October 10, 2025, this episode (accessible via https://www.boxingscene.com/talk-shows/mailbag-lamont-roach-vs-pitbull-cruz-and-the-future-of-boxing-pay-per-view?spg=pr&spl=b) dives deep into the evolving landscape of boxing pay-per-view, exploring what this fight means for the sport's future.
A key factor in hosting the event in Stockton is the inclusion of local hero Gabriel Flores Jr., a surging lightweight prospect with a massive fanbase in the area. The 25-year-old's spot on the undercard is expected to boost attendance at the 12,000-seat venue, marking his fifth appearance there.
This bout represents Diego Pacheco's third fight of the year—a remarkable 24-0 record with 18 knockouts under his belt. The 24-year-old has shown impressive endurance by going the full 12 rounds in his last two outings. First, he scored a points victory over undefeated Steven Nelson on a January 25 DAZN show at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, his first time extending beyond 10 rounds. He repeated that feat with a decisive decision against Trevor McCumby on July 19 at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
For context, Pacheco was training under Jose Benavidez Sr., a collaboration that began in 2022 and ended amicably, as previously covered by BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire. As of this writing, Pacheco hasn't publicly named a new trainer, leaving fans eager for updates on his team.
On the other side, Kevin Lele Sadjo brings his perfect 26-0 record, featuring 23 knockouts, into his American debut against Pacheco. The 35-year-old Cameroonian-French fighter has built his reputation through extensive travels: bouts in France, England, Belgium, Central Africa, and the Bahamas. His career highlights are unfortunately more noted for the notable opponents who avoided him rather than those he defeated.
Take, for example, his planned showdown with Christian Mbilli in a May IBF title eliminator. Mbilli was removed from the card by his promoter, Eye of the Tiger Management, alleging that Sadjo's camp breached the purse bid agreement meant to stage the fight in Paris. Instead, Sadjo triumphed with a third-round knockout of Habib Ahmed in Equatorial Guinea, followed by a fourth-round stoppage of Martin Ezequiel Bulacio on August 28 in Enghein, France. That's three consecutive stoppages and nine in his last 10 fights—impressive, but some critics question if these victories truly measure his readiness for elite competition. And this is the part most people miss: does avoiding a big name like Mbilli hint at deeper issues in Sadjo's camp, or was it just a contractual hiccup? It's a point that sparks heated debates among boxing enthusiasts.
As for the stakes, they remain undefined. Pacheco ranks in the top 15 across all four major sanctioning bodies, positioning him well. With undisputed champion Terence 'Bud' Crawford's future uncertain after his historic victory over Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez—does he retire, or chase another mega-fight?—Matchroom could push for this clash to be recognized as a final eliminator or even an interim WBO title bout. Pacheco sits at No. 3 with the WBO, while Sadjo is No. 8, making the possibilities tantalizing.
What do you think? Is Sadjo the real deal, or is Pacheco too advanced for him at this stage? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the Mbilli controversy, or see it as overblown? Let's discuss!
Jake Donovan, an acclaimed journalist, contributed as a senior writer at BoxingScene from 2007 to 2024, including nine years as news editor. He also led writing for The Ring before returning. Connect with Jake on X at https://x.com/JakeBScene and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jakendabox_ .
