Diego Pacheco (22-0-0, 18 KOs) retained his top position in the WBO super middleweight rankings yesterday by delivering a crushing sixth-round knockout to Polish fighter Maciej Sulecki (32-3-0, 12 KOs). The bout was the main event of the Matchroom Boxing card organized by Eddie Hearn at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Pacheco took a cautious approach to the fight, relying almost exclusively on straight punches during the first three rounds. He effectively utilized his height and reach advantage, constantly moving on his feet to maintain a distance that suited him best.
Sulecki tried to be proactive and occasionally landed some commendable left hooks, but the difference in power and physicality between the two fighters was evident in every phase of the fight, making it nearly impossible for the Polish boxer to remain competitive.
Pacheco increased his intensity starting from the fourth round, incorporating hooks and uppercuts into his combinations. By the end of the fifth round, he managed to land significant blows on his opponent, forcing him to retreat towards the ropes and defend himself desperately.
About 40 seconds into the sixth round, the 23-year-old American landed a beautiful left uppercut to the body that sent Sulecki crashing to the canvas. The Polish fighter, who had never been knocked out in his career, remained down with a painful expression on his face and made no attempt to get up during referee Ray Corona’s count.
It was a decidedly positive performance for Pacheco, who managed the fight with great composure, avoiding the urge to throw heavy punches until the right moment presented itself. The only minor flaw in the American boxer’s performance was his tendency to leave himself open to left hooks from his opponent, a detail he’ll need to work on in the gym as he prepares for tougher challenges ahead.