The International Boxing Federation (IBF) ordered eliminator between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco. Both fighters, ranked within the world’s top 5, will face off in a crucial bout to determine the next challenger for the IBF super middleweight world title.
Christian Mbilli, signed with Top Rank, holds the number 1 spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) rankings. Additionally, Mbilli is ranked number 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), making him one of the most sought-after fighters in the division.
The French boxer has had an impressive 2024, securing three victories, two of which came by knockout. Mbilli has previously expressed interest in challenging Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the unified WBC, WBA, and WBO champion, but has yet to finalize that fight.
Diego Pacheco, under contract with Matchroom Boxing, is currently ranked number 1 by the WBO and number 3 by the WBC. The undefeated Los Angeles native boasts an impressive record of 22 wins, with 18 knockouts.
In 2024, Pacheco scored two significant victories: one by decision against Shawn McCalman and another by knockout over Maciej Sulecki. However, his future remains uncertain as he is also in negotiations to face Trevor McCumby in January.
The winner of Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco match will earn the chance to challenge the current IBF champion, William Scull.
Scull, undefeated with a record of 23 wins, including 9 knockouts, is awaiting his next challenger.
Pacheco’s decision to prioritize between the eliminator bout with Mbilli or the fight against McCumby will be critical. A loss in either of these matches could jeopardize his chance to contend for the unified title against Canelo Álvarez, where he currently holds the WBO mandatory challenger status.
The fight between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco represents not only a chance to climb the rankings but also a step closer to the coveted world title. Both fighters have earned their top spots, and the winner will become the next major challenger for champion William Scull.
🚨 PACHECO-MBILLI ORDERED
The IBF have ordered an eliminator bout in the super middleweight division between the #3 Christian Mbilli and the #4 Diego Pacheco.
There are also talks ongoing for Pacheco to face Trevor McCumby in Las Vegas in January.
(Via Frank Smith/@IFLTV) pic.twitter.com/iKm2Xvro4W
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 11, 2024
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