On Saturday, the No.1 super middleweight contender under WBO, Diego Pacheco overcame a late scare to defeat Steven Nelson via unanimous decision and extended his undefeated record to 23-0. The tough victory helped the 23-year-old retain his position to challenge for the WBO super middleweight title. That is exactly what he did. After the fight, he called out unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in the humblest way possible.

Alvarez recently made headlines, revealing that he dismissed David Benavidez‘s challenge because the latter disrespected him. The humble call out by Pacheco allowed the fans to revive that controversy and mock Canelo mercilessly.

Diego Pacheco inching toward the big leagues

After the victory, ‘Ring Magazine’ caught up with Diego Pacheco in the locker room for an interview. Ahead of the Nelson bout, the Los Angeles native had issued a warning to Canelo, claiming that the time was ticking. However, this time, his words were not so menacing. As the interviewer asked about a potential title opportunity against Canelo Alvarez, Pacheco claimed that it would be his dream fight. He has always aspired to be a world champion and has always admired the Guadalajara native. After all, the 23-0 has been watching Alvarez since he was 9 years old.

He acknowledged, “My dream is to become a world champion, what else. In to go against the GOAT Canelo, the king of the division. If one day he gives me the opportunity man, it’d be amazing. It would be a dream come true for me to share a ring with him.” However, even if a fight against Canelo Alvarez does not happen, he is ready to step against “anyone else in the top five too man. You know we’re ready,” claimed Pacheco.

As Ring Magazine posted the snippet of the interview on their ‘X,’ fans were quick to remind Pacheco that he is not ready yet. However, they also did not show mercy to Canelo and mocked him over the David Benavidez controversy.

Fans bash Canelo Alvarez for ducking Benavidez

A fan wrote, “I respect how humble Diego Pacheco is. He’s one of the most down to earth guys in boxing right now. All he cares about is showing up and doing his job.” Pacheco’s humbleness impressed the fan as most current boxers just chase money and avoid fighting legit contenders.

However, this humbleness became the perfect launchpad for fans to launch a scathing attack on Canelo Alvarez. A fan wrote, “He has to ask canelo “respectfully”and not hurt his feelings to get the fight,” referring to the Benavidez controversy. The Monster Bandera Roja was the No.1 WBC contender for Canelo’s title in 2023. However, the Guadalajara native constantly dismissed Benavidez’s challenge and demanded an absurd $150 million for the fight.

Earlier this week, in a conversation with Mike Coppinger, the 62-2 boxer revealed that the reason he denied the fight was because of the disrespect that David Benavidez and his father showed him. Owning to the fact that a fight against him would be Benavidez’s highest payday and he does not want that.

Another user, who had the same idea, wrote, “This how he wanted benivedez to ask for the fight 😂 🦆,” sarcastically remarking that this is how Canelo wants every fighter to ask him for a fight. Otherwise, he would deny them the opportunity.

One fan, critical of Pacheco’s performance, claimed that he still needs a few more wins before challenging the unified champion. He wrote, “He’s not ready at the moment, but with more fights, he’ll get there,” something which Los Angeles native’s promoter Eddie Hearn also believes. After the fight, the Matchroom honcho claimed that Pacheco is still a 1-2 win away from challenging Canelo Alvarez and he is ready to give him as many bridge fights as possible to make him undeniable for the champion.

Another user, not impressed by Pacheco’s performance, wrote, “I ain’t gone lie gang u mediocre rn. U gotta lots more fights until u get Saul. Knowing Saul u might get the fight tho 🤷‍♂️.” He referred to the fact that recently, Alvarez has given opportunities to many young fighters who were not ready. The fight against Edgar Berlanga is a similar example, as no one expected Canelo to take that fight.

What do you think about Diego Pacheco’s challenge? Do you think Canelo Alvarez was soft in denying David Benavidez the opportunity? Let us know your thoughts down below.