DIEGO PACHECO will have his first fight without Jose Benavidez Sr in his corner on December 13.
The WBO number three super-middleweight contender will face Kevin Lele Sadjo (WBO #8 contender) at the Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California. Pacheco’s promoter, Matchroom, announced the news on social media last night and revealed that unbeaten super-lightweight Ernest Mercado and lightweight Gabriel Flores Jr will also feature.
Last week Benavidez Sr, who was also Pacheco’s manager, revealed news of their split to FightHype.
“I believe that it’s for the best,” he said. “We sat down, we talked on good terms, and ended things great.
“I had two more fights with him and he said he wanted his contract [terminated]. I was super happy to give him his contract back.
“I want the best for him and just want to see him as a world champion.”
Pacheco, 24-0 (18 KOs), is yet to announce who will replace Benavidez Sr.
Unbeaten in 24 contests Pacheco is considered a future world champion but remains in a queue with other contenders waiting on the next move by undisputed champ Terence Crawford.
French-based Cameroonian Sadjo, 26-0 (23 KOs), had been linked to a European title fight against champion Callum Simpson but now gets a chance to prove himself on the world scene on December 13. The heavy-handed 35-year-old is yet to fight in America but if he is to cement his place as one of the best at 168lbs he must beat Pacheco.
