July 18, 2026: Boxing's Quiet Week, or Is It?
The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation for the return of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as Errol Spence Jr., but for now, we're left with a rather quiet week on the schedule. Or is it? While the upcoming weekend might not be packed with blockbuster fights, it still offers some intriguing matchups and undercard action that are worth a closer look.
The Main Event: Pacheco vs. Aleem
The main event on DAZN features Diego Pacheco facing Immanuwel Aleem, a bout that has been somewhat underwhelming in terms of promotion and buzz. Pacheco, a 25-0 fighter with 18 KO's, has been in a bit of a rut, failing to progress and facing opponents that don't seem to challenge him. Aleem, on the other hand, is a 32-year-old with a 22-4-3 record and 14 KO's. He's coming off a loss to Lester Martinez and has had some questionable performances in the past, particularly on PBC cards.
The fight's lack of excitement is further exacerbated by the awkward trash talk between the two fighters, which felt forced and uninspiring. Matchroom and DAZN's attempt to build hype around this bout has been met with skepticism, and it's no surprise that BoxRec rates it as a two-star fight. However, there's always a chance for an upset, and Aleem's grit and ability could potentially lead to a shock result.
Undercard Action
The undercard features several interesting fights, including:
Andy Cruz vs. Abraham Montoya: A 10-round lightweight bout that was initially meant to be an IBF eliminator. However, Montoya is not a contender, and the fight should not be treated as such. Cruz's plans to drop down to 130 pounds in the future add an intriguing layer to this bout.
Albert Gonzalez vs. Aaron Alameda: An 10-round featherweight bout featuring an unbeaten hopeful against a veteran. The winner could potentially move up the rankings.
Saul Sanchez vs. Bruno Rios Jr: Another 10-round fight, this time in the lightweight division.
Leo Atang: The heavyweight child makes his U.S. debut, with Eddie Hearn hoping to appeal to American fans. While the fight's significance might be questionable, it's an opportunity for Atang to showcase his skills.
Personal Takeaway
Despite the quiet nature of this week's schedule, there are still some interesting fights and undercard action to keep an eye on. The main event, while not particularly exciting, could still provide a surprise or two. The undercard offers a variety of matchups that could have an impact on the rankings and future prospects of the fighters involved.
In my opinion, boxing fans should appreciate the quieter weeks, as they provide an opportunity to reflect on the sport's progress and the challenges faced by fighters. It's during these moments that we can truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of the athletes and promoters alike.
