Unbeaten super middleweight contender Diego Pacheco has officially split from his longtime trainer and manager, Jose Benavidez Sr. The decision ends a long working relationship that began early in Pacheco’s professional career and guided him to the brink of world title contention.
Benavidez, who is currently in camp with his son and WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez, confirmed that Pacheco requested the release despite having at least two fights remaining under their agreement. “He decided to go a different route. I want the best for him,” Benavidez said. “He has a lot of talent. I am so thankful and happy to have been with him from when he started to where he is now, ranked No. 1 [recently, though no longer] and ready to fight for a world title.”
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The split was amicable, with no buyout involved. Benavidez expressed only support for the 24-year-old prospect, saying, “I only have great things to say about him. I am still a fan. I will still be a supporter. I’m happy for his career.” Pacheco is expected to appear on a Matchroom Boxing card in California on December 13, though details of his new training team have not yet been announced.
Pacheco enjoyed a strong year under Benavidez’s guidance, scoring unanimous decision wins over Steven Nelson in January and Trevor McCumby in July. The Los Angeles native had previously held the WBO’s top contender spot at super middleweight before Hamzah Sheeraz’s rise in the rankings pushed him to No. 3.
Reflecting on their time together, Benavidez was philosophical about the separation. “Nice kid, great father, great husband,” he said. “It was a great trip.”
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing