There was plenty at stake in Stockton as Diego Pacheco and Kevin Sadjo met in a super middleweight clash with contrasting styles, where Pacheco’s height and reach advantage were expected to play a role, while Sadjo arrived unbeaten and intent on closing distance and turning the contest physical.
All in all, Diego Pacheco did win a 12-round unanimous decision over Kevin Sadjo to capture the WBC Silver super middleweight title. Pacheco used his eight-inch height advantage early, working behind his jab and targeting Sadjo with uppercuts as the shorter challenger pressed forward. Sadjo frequently came in low, leading to repeated clinches and warnings from referee Ray Corona. Momentum shifted in stretches, particularly as Sadjo found success with body shots and physical pressure. In the eighth round, Sadjo scored a knockdown with a left hand to the chin, but Pacheco recovered well and used his reach to steady himself and regain control. Down the stretch, Pacheco’s volume and cleaner work proved decisive, especially in the final rounds, where he finished stronger. The judges scored the bout 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112.
Watch the official fight highlights.
In the co-feature, former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina defeated Gabriel Flores Jr. by unanimous decision over twelve rounds to win the WBO International lightweight title. Cordina controlled much of the fight with strength and timing, particularly in the early rounds, though Flores had moments of success, including a solid right hand in the third. The middle rounds were competitive, but Cordina consistently edged the exchanges and closed strong, pressing for a stoppage late against a durable Flores. The scores were 117-110, 115-112, and 114-113.
Skye Nicolson delivered a composed performance in a ten-round unanimous decision over former world champion Yuliahn Luna. Nicolson controlled the fight with her jab and movement, mixing in uppercuts and body work while neutralizing Luna’s offense. Although Luna landed a notable right hand in the third round, Nicolson steadily reasserted control and finished the fight strongly. The judges scored it 98-92, 98-92, and 97-93.
Ernesto “Tito” Mercado returned from an extended layoff with an emphatic stoppage win over Antonio Moran, scoring multiple knockdowns before the referee halted the contest in the sixth round. Mercado’s sharp right hands and sustained pressure wore Moran down steadily as the fight progressed.
Elsewhere on the card, Arturo Popoca earned a ten-round decision over Cesar Vaca Espinosa, Cheav Clarke stopped Anthony Holloway after four rounds following repeated holding, Sachery Sam won a six-round unanimous decision over Brandon Medina Guerrero, and Cesar Olvera and Victor Saravia fought to a four-round majority draw.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing