Diego Pacheco Impresses in First Fight with Hall of Fame Trainer Buddy McGirt

CARSON, Calif. — Diego Pacheco made a successful debut under new head trainer Buddy McGirt, stopping veteran Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park. The dominant performance showcased a more disciplined and polished version of the undefeated super middleweight contender.
After parting ways with longtime trainer José Benavídez Sr., Pacheco briefly reunited with his former amateur coach, Omar Villanueva, during the transition. He later chose to join forces with Hall of Fame trainer Buddy McGirt, believing the veteran coach could help take his game to the next level. The improvements were evident from the opening bell.
Pacheco controlled the fight with a sharp jab, disciplined footwork, and precise combinations, keeping Aleem from mounting any sustained offense. Round after round, Pacheco broke his opponent down with intelligent pressure, accurate body work, and clean shots upstairs while remaining defensively sound.
The end came in the 11th round, when Pacheco unleashed a sustained offensive attack that forced the referee to step in and stop the contest. The emphatic stoppage capped off a dominant performance and marked Pacheco’s first fight under McGirt’s guidance.
The victory keeps Pacheco undefeated and sends a strong message to the super middleweight division. With a polished performance in his new camp, Pacheco appears poised to move one step closer to a long-awaited world title opportunity.