Pacheco vs Cullen Official Interactive Digital Programme

A WELCOME FROM EDDIE HEARN

Good evening everyone and welcome to the M&S Bank Arena here in Liverpool for our second show of the year in the UK. It was disappointing to see Callum Smith forced out of our headline fight against Pawel Stepien through injury. Luckily we had a strong undercard full of fighters that had been training hard for their fights and I’m happy we were able to keep in the show on.

Undefeated Super-Middleweight sensation

Diego Pacheco has a golden opportunity to co-headline his first card on his debut fight in the UK, and the 22-year-old from Los Angeles has promised to make a statement by stopping Little Lever’s Jack Cullen in their battle for the WBO International Title.

It is really important that we have a lot of our young talent fighting internationally. For Diego this is a little bit of a gamble because it’s a big thing fighting abroad. He’s up against a very experienced fighting in Cullen who will have a lot of fans coming to the arena to support him.

I see Diego Pacheco as a future star of the sport and a future World Champion. He’s been doing hard rounds with David Benavidez and I think he’s ready to go in those big fights. Cullen is always in great fights and this is a great test for Pacheco.

Robbie Davies Jr has got a tough fight against late stand-in opponent Darragh Foley who has been brimming with confidence this week.

Robbie was disappointed to lose the Liam Paro fight but he will need to be at the top of his game to get past Foley and avoid a damaging defeat in his hometown.

Rhiannon Dixon has looked really good in recent fights under Anthony Crolla. Tonight she has her first Championship fight against Vicky Wilkinson for the vacant Commonwealth Lightweight Title.

Peter McGrail made his professional debut on one of our shows and I class him as one of the best prospects in world boxing. We’re developing an incredible stable of young talent and I was pleased to sign him recently.

Peter is ready for ten-rounders now and I’m expecting big things and big titles for him in 2023. I believe this young man will bring World Championship boxing to Liverpool for many years to come and tonight is the start of a special journey for us.

Romford Heavyweight favourite Johnny Fisher is bringing an army of 1,000 fans up to Liverpool from Essex and beyond for his first eight-round fight against Italy’s Alfonso Damiani.

1-0 Billericay Middleweight prospect George Liddard kicks off our Before the Bell action and Hyde’s Campbell Hatton continues his ring education, plus there’s an all-Liverpool Middleweight showdown between Paddy Lacey and James McCarthy and Oldham SuperFeatherweight Aqib Fiaz has a competitive match up with Yeovil’s Dean Dodge. ■

Programme Editor: Daniel Barnard

Contributors: Elliot Foster

Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com)

Cover: Adam Insam

Photographs: Mark Robinson Master of Ceremonies: David Diamante

SUPER-MIDDLE SENSATION

Diego Pacheco wants to be recognised as a contender rather than a prospect once he knocks out Jack Cullen in their WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown here at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool.

The undefeated 22-year-old sensation, who fights in the UK for the first time in his career tonight, is eager to make a big impression in front of Liverpool fight fans by stopping ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ in what will now be the co-headline bout following Callum Smith’s injury.

“Jack Cullen I feel is a good opponent, finally someone that the fans know I guess,” said Pacheco. “If I beat him then it’s going to be like, ‘he beat this guy’, and I hope people are going to start believing in me a little bit more.

“After I get this win, I do feel that people will start recognising me more as a contender than a prospect. He’s tall and he has a lot of heart, but I’m a way better fighter than him. I see myself stopping him. He won’t be able to take my power. Once I see the opening, I’ll take it. “I think this fight is really important for my career. It’s really important that I put on a good performance. I wanna knock him out, I wanna stop him. In whatever round it comes in, whether it’s a body shot or a head shot, I just wanna to stop him.”

Pacheco trains in Seattle, USA under the guidance of Jose Benavidez Sr alongside the likes of two-time World Champion David Benavidez, who is preparing for a March 25 WBC Interim World Title fight with Caleb Plant, and the Los Angeles youngster says he is feeling the benefits from countless rounds of world class sparring.

“I’ve been part of David Benavidez’ last five fights. Every camp here is really tough. It’s good work, it doesn’t get better than this. The first time I ever came down here, David reached out

“ONCE I SEE THE OPENING, I’LL TAKE IT”

to me on the DMs. It was after my Saudi Arabia fight. He was like, ‘oh I was watching that, you’re really good, do you wanna come down and work with me?’. I was like ‘hell yeah’.

“That’s what has gotten me the great wins, the great knockouts – the preparation I’ve been doing. That’s the reason I’m here working with them. There are other great sparring partners in here as well and I’ve prepared better than ever for this fight. The sparring doesn’t get better than this so I’m really thankful for that.

“Obviously it is really tough, David Benavidez is a really good fighter. Every time I’m in there with him I learn something new. He pushes me more than anyone else. That’s exactly what I need.” ■

LITTLE LEVER’S MEAT CLEAVER

Jack Cullen has vowed to become the first man to stop rising star Diego Pacheco when they clash for the vacant WBO International SuperMiddleweight Title.

Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) is determined to derail the hype train of the 22-year-old 168lbs sensation from Los Angeles, USA and believes his experience will be the key difference in tonight’s main event. The 29-year-old from Little Lever has tasted defeat three times in his career, all coming by way of stoppage, but isn’t fazed by the task at hand against big-punching Pacheco.

A win against one of Matchroom’s most highly regarded prospects would see Cullen skyrocket into contention for further title opportunities at Super-Middleweight. Cullen is the sizeable underdog with the bookies heading into his tenround showdown with Pacheco but one advantage he does have over his opponent is a sizeable following from his village in Lancashire cheering him on in the arena.

“STICK TO THE GAME PLAN AND WE’LL GET HIM OUT OF THERE”

“I put everything into this training camp,” said Cullen at Thursday’s press conference. “I’ve left no stone unturned. I’ve done everything right and you’ll see on fight night.

“I have plenty of experience, big bollocks and I want to fight. I’ve put everything into my training. This is my life and I want to keep this going. Stick to the game plan and we’ll get him out of there.” ■

REMAINING FOCUSED

Robbie Davies Jr. is planning an easier night of work.

The former WBA Continental SuperLightweight Champion takes on Australianbased Darragh Foley over 10 rounds tonight on Merseyside.

“My past few fights have all been must-wins,” he said during fight week.

Davies Jr., who has also held the Commonwealth belt at the weight, was originally due to meet Liam Paro, the highly-ranked fighter with the WBA, for a bauble that would propel him back into the ratings.

But the Australian was forced to withdraw due to injury.

“Obviously, it was unfortunate with Liam Paro pulling out, but I was thankful for Foley for stepping up. He still gives me a chance to show the general public, the Liverpool fans, what I’m about.”

Davies Jr. was out just once last year, in May at The O2 in London, but he is looking to begin a dominant assault on the division with a convincing victory over Ireland’s Foley.

“I’ve got to get the win in dominant fashion and then move onto bigger things later in the year,” Davies Jr. added. “He’s seen cracks in me, I can’t have that going into the big fish. I need to make a statement and not only win, I need to look good as well when doing it.

“Hopefully I can break him down, get to him and get him out of there.” ■

SUPER

Darragh Foley heads into tonight’s fight with one mission: to threaten the SuperLightweight division.

The Irishman takes on Robbie Davies Jr. on Merseyside and is keen to make an impression. And making an impression is certainly something the Australian-based 34-year-old did earlier in the week, taking promoter Eddie Hearn to task on him incorrectly name-checking him in an interview.

“I got an interview sent to me earlier in the week,” he said, “and I was Darryl Foley from Liverpool. You’ll know exactly who I am on fight night.”

Standing in his way is a former WBA Continental and Commonwealth Champion at the weight Davies Jr.

Foley came in against the hometown man after Liam Paro, the WBA’s highly-ranked Australian, pulled out due to injury.

“Everything in life is about timing,” he added. “This opportunity came out of the blue and I was ready – I stay in shape.”

Davies Jr. is 33 and has a record of 23-3 with 15 quick finishes and Foley gave his foe plenty of props before fight night.

“You see what you get with Robbie, he’s tough and brings it. He likes to bury his head in your chest and go to work.

“I never shy away from a fire fight. At least I won’t have to go looking for him.

“If I win this, or when I win this, everything will open up. I don’t need an excuse about how I came in at late notice. I’m here to win and that’s that.” ■

THE ROMFORD BULL

Johnny Fisher is a bullish character. Selling on a stall with his dad through lockdown, the Heavyweight has come a long way.

When we say he’s come a long way, he’s yet to box outside of the UK, so he’s only ventured up a few motorways for this one, but Liverpool can expect a shock tonight.

A shock in terms of noise, that is, because the man who has a university degree from Exeter University will bring the ‘Bull Army’, which is likely to consist of more than 500 people, to Merseyside for the first time as he fights for the eighth time as a pro.

Fisher is trained by Mark Tibbs and managed by S-Jam Boxing and is set to box over eight rounds for the first time.

“Thank you for having me and thank you to the city of Liverpool for welcoming me – I’ve had a really good welcome here. It’s great to be here,” Fisher said during fight week.

Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) is the man standing in his way and while the Italian is coming into the fight on the back of an eight-round points win last December, Fisher has implored him to meet him in the middle as he looks to take the next step to the top of the sport’s premier division.

“As long as Alfonso Damiani turns up,” he continued, “that’s all that matters. I know he’s a proud man, very fit. He’s going to come to have a fight.

“The picture is becoming a little bit clearer, every time I get a little bit more mature and I’ve just got to keep on ticking those boxes.”

This will be Fisher’s first outing this year, having been out three times last year, and he has thanked his fans for their continued support.

“One thing I would like to say to my supporters, the people who have paid their hard-earned money, not only to come and watch but they’ve got to pay for their train tickets and their hotels, is thanks.

“WE CAN SEE THOSE TITLES ON THE HORIZON”

“It’s really great and it inspires me that there’s people that want to come and watch me and support me.

“I’ve got to get through the eight-rounders first. We can see those titles on the horizon.”

Being able to sell tickets like Fisher can means that title opportunities won’t be hard to come by. Eddie Hearn has already stated that this year will end with the 24-year-old having been in some form of title action and he knows it’s just around the corner.

However, the Londoner is keeping his feet on the ground and planning on taking it one step at a time.

“The only thing that matters is winning with a good performance and we can map it out from there.” ■

BOXING IN THE MOONLIGHT

Liverpool amateur sensation turned 6-0 SuperBantamweight prospect Peter McGrail makes his eagerly anticipated Matchroom debut in a tenround contest with Nicolas Nahuel Botelli this evening after signing a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last month.

One of Merseyside’s most decorated amateur boxers, McGrail first broke through with bronze medals at the Youth Olympics and World Youth Championships back in 2014. The gifted southpaw then won gold at the European Championships in Kharkiv in 2017 before winning Commonwealth gold a year later in Australia. The 26-year-old, who trains out of the renowned Everton Red Triangle Gym on Albion Street under Paul Stevenson, was hotly-tipped for a Featherweight medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games but succumbed to a premature defeat against Thai fighter Chatchai-decha Butdee in the opening round.

McGrail made his highly anticipated professional debut on Matchroom’s sold-out Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowler show at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool back in October 2021, comfortably outpointing Ed Harrison over six rounds to kick off life in the paid ranks with a win. He returned to the arena two months later for his second fight on the undercard of the sold-out Conor Benn vs. Chris Algieri and Katie Taylor vs. Firuza Sharipova double-header, earning his first stoppage win without a vest by halting Nicaragua’s Engel Gomez in just two rounds.

McGrail racked up four wins from four fights in 2022 – all inside the distance – to further establish himself as one of the exciting talents in the 122lbs division. He started the year by taking out Alexandru Ionita in Dubai before returning to Liverpool to score stoppages over Uriel Lopez Juarez and Alexander Espinoza. In his last outing McGrail stopped Hironori Miyake on the Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler undercard in Japan.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said McGrail.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of more huge nights with Matchroom in my hometown and up and down the country and around the world. I always stay ready and I’m ready to go again tonight and put on

“I’M READY TO CRACK ON TOWARDS SOME TITLES”

another good performance. I couldn’t have asked for a better professional debut walking out in front of a sold-out arena on the Smith vs. Fowler undercard and I’ve banked some brilliant experience since boxing out in Dubai and Japan and headlining my own bill in Liverpool. I’m ready to crack on towards some titles. “I’ll fight anyone. I’ve always been like that since I was a kid. I’ve been in there with some top amateurs over the years and I wouldn’t shy away from anyone. I wouldn’t mind picking up some international titles to start climbing the world rankings, but if a domestic title popped up then I wouldn’t shy away from anybody. It’s coming very soon and it’s really exciting times for me.

I’ve found my way now in the pros and it’s time to push on with the rounds and push on with the opponents and step up a few levels. Whichever way it works I’ll be ready. There’s going to be some great nights coming to Liverpool.” ■

TITLE CHARGE

Rhiannon Dixon has never been one to shy away from a challenge and this is no different.

The undefeated Lightweight (7-0) has a former World Lightweight Champion in her corner in the shape of Anthony Crolla.

And Dixon is aiming to look a million dollars tonight when she takes on fellow unbeaten fighter Vicky Wilkinson over 10 rounds for the vacant Commonwealth crown.

“When we were given the opportunity we thought, ‘Yeah, let’s just take it’. We didn’t know if we were going to get another opportunity like this,” she said. “I just think we’ve prepared throughout this camp and we’re ready now to start pushing on to big fights like this.”

Dixon is 27 and works in the health service, juggling punching with caring. And the jubilant lady had some very kind words to say about her opponent.

“I always say it’s like having a good dance partner with boxing,” she added. “Sometimes you can be dragged down to people’s levels. Vicky is a really good fighter and I think she will bring the best out in me.

“I’m just taking each fight as it comes. I’m learning with every single one.”

Dixon has boxed outside of the UK once so far during her embryonic pro career but she knows she has so much more to offer.

“You can see the progression from my first fight in Manchester to when I was last out.

“I’m just taking each fight as it comes and trying to learn and progress as much as I can.” ■

BORN FIGHTER

Aqib Fiaz is a name we’ve been hearing about forever. Or so it feels like. The unbeaten fighter is now keen to push on to the next stage of his career, starting with tonight on the banks of the Mersey.

“I was born to do this,” said the man who is still only 23 but has a record of 10 fights without defeat. “For the first time in my career, I feel like I’ve got a plan and certain goals in place. Last time was my best performance through being active in the ring and I feel like I’ll be even better this time around.

“It’s a proper fight and I’m fighting an Englishman as well.”

A PROPER FIGHT”

That Englishman in the opposite corner is Dean Dodge. He has a record of 9-2-1 with three quick and Aqib is under no illusions that it will be a difficult night’s work for him.

“They always come to fight,” he added, “but I’ve done it before – millions of times.

“I’ve been fighting my whole life and I was born to do this I’m ready to show what I’m all about.” ■

“IT’S

PUSHING ON

Campbell Hatton is a name many are familiar with — and with good reason. He is the son of British hero Ricky Hatton who, in his time, won numerous World Titles. The younger Hatton, though, is trying to forge his own path.

And that path leads him to Merseyside, where he will fight for the first time as a pro.

“It’s another city ticked off the list of places that I’ve wanted to box in,” he said. “I was here watching [Conor] Benn vs. [Chris] Algieri and it was a top atmosphere. I was really welcomed by everyone and excited to box here myself and now I am.”

Hatton, 22, has been on a tour so far in his career and is excited to add to his list all over;

“I’ve been to Abu Dhabi, boxed in Spain twice and up and down the country. I’m really excited for tonight.

“When you look back it has been crazy, even in Gibraltar being stuck on a boat. It’s all been a surreal experience. I think it’s going to stand me in good stead.”

Trained by his uncle Matthew, Ricky’s brother who himself was a very good fighter, Campbell knows he comes from good stock and that, more importantly, the timing is nearly there.

“I’m starting to find my feet now,” he added. “I’m settling down into my career where I’m taking that pressure off myself now bit by bit and I’m starting to show those improvements.”

Hatton is also insistent that his learning is never done.

“I want to show more of the same in 2023 –improvements. I’ve been maturing – physically and mentally — and it’s time to start kicking on now.” ■

SCOUSE DERBY

Paddy Lacey is the epitome of a Liverpudlian: cheeky, funny, friendly and can fight. All four of those combined make for a great personality and that’s something the former Chester footballer certainly has.

Lacey has just one stoppage in his career to date and tonight he takes on another one of his own in the shape of James McCarthy.

Dedicated to the cause, the 29-year-old has been on Matchroom cards previously and he had some kind words to say towards promoter Eddie Hearn after the collapse of the original main event for the show.

“When you had me on the [Conor] Benn vs. [Chris] Algieri card, I was in the gym at 7am, fitting flooring in the afternoon, Chester training at night. I actually missed a Chester game to box that night.

“I’ve packed in the football, unfortunately, and it’s something that I’m gutted about but I’m fully focused on boxing now.”

Callum Smith was supposed to headline the show before injury sidelined him and Lacey is keen to follow in the former WBA World SuperMiddleweight Champion’s footsteps.

“I think it will make a massive difference going forwards. I’m living the boxing life now and not getting pulled from here to there,” he added. “I think everyone likes the story of the underdog. Things kind of fell apart. I picked myself up and had a go at something else.

“This city is amazing for us. James doesn’t shy away from a fight. He’s a tough kid and it’s going to be fireworks.” ■

ESSEX BOY

Billericay Middleweight prospect George Liddard fights for the second time as a professional this evening after signing a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in January.

The 20-year-old Essex native made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks by halting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Nikola Matic in two rounds on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s clash with Jermaine Franklin at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November. As an amateur Liddard represented the Billericay and Wickford ABC and went on to clinch four National Titles and two International Gold Medals during an impressive stint before deciding to turn professional last year.

Trained by two-time Lightweight World

Title Challenger and fellow Hammer

Kevin Mitchell alongside Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym, Liddard wants his dominant debut win to be the start of a special journey in the 160lbs division.

“Signing for Matchroom has been my goal for as long as I can remember,” said Liddard. “For a boy from Billericay to have joined the biggest promotional company in the world, that just happens to be based around the corner from where I’ve grown up, is a dream come true.

“With Matchroom and my team of Kevin Mitchell and Tony Sims behind me I’m confident I can go all the way in the sport and fulfil my full potential. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to boxing on some big shows and putting on some great performances.

“I’m looking forward to putting on another good performance. Johnny (Fisher) bringing all the fans up from Essex is quality. I want to go on to do big things but I know there’s boxes I’ve got to tick off on the way and I’ve got to keep on proving myself. I definitely believe I will down the line. Being around such experienced fighters is only going to bring me on. I’ve got a promising future.” ■

10 X 3 MINS WBO INTERNATIONAL SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

DIEGO JACK PACHECO vs CULLEN

(LOS ANGELES, USA) (LITTLE LEVER, ENGLAND)

10 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

ROBBIE DAVIES JR vs DARRAGH FOLEY (LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND) (BONDI, AUSTRALIA)

8 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

JOHNNY FISHER vs ALFONSO DAMIANI (ROMFORD, ENGLAND) (SUBIACO, ITALY)

10 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CONTEST

PETER MCGRAIL vs NICOLAS NAHUEL BOTELLI (LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND) (SALTA, ARGENTINA)

10 X 2 MINS VACANT COMMONWEALTH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

RHIANNON DIXON vs VICKY WILKINSON (WARRINGTON, ENGLAND) (WOMBOURNE, ENGLAND)

8 X 3 MINS SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

AQIB FIAZ vs DEAN DODGE (OLDHAM, ENGLAND) (YEOVIL, ENGLAND)

6 X 3 MINS MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

PADDY LACEY vs JAMES MCCARTHY (LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND) (LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND)

6 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

CAMPBELL HATTON vs MICHAEL GONXHE (HYDE, ENGLAND) (FRANKFURT, GERMANY)

4 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

GEORGE LIDDARD vs DANIEL PRZEWIESLIK (BILLERICAY, ENGLAND) (RUDA SLASKA, POLAND)