Diego Pacheco says Hall of Fame trainer Buddy McGirt is exactly what he needed to take his career to the next level, explaining that he wanted a coach with world championship experience who would sharpen the technical details of his game.
Pacheco explained why he brought McGirt into his corner after withdrawing from an ordered fight against Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant WBO super middleweight title earlier this year.
“I have a new trainer now. I felt like we needed someone who’s been at that high level, who’s been a world champion, who’s been in the corner of a lot of world championship fights. Buddy McGirt was the perfect guy,” said Pacheco to DAZN Boxing.
“You know, in the past, I feel like I’ve had coaches who just let stuff slide because of my height and the things I can do. They thought I could get away with certain things. But Buddy’s a real old-school trainer who believes everything has to be on point. Everything has to be a certain way. I love his boxing IQ. I love the way he likes to stick to the jab, and I feel like that’s exactly what I needed to get to that next level.”
McGirt was equally enthusiastic about the partnership.
“This young man has a lot of talent and, to be honest, I don’t believe he’s scratched the surface yet with his talent. He’s got a long ways to go and a lot to offer,” said McGirt.
“He’s a young man that’s willing to learn. A lot of fighters, you say something to them, they always got an answer. But if I say something to him or show him something, he’ll try and do it. Then when he makes a mistake, before I can correct him, he’ll say, ‘I messed up.’”
Pacheco said the coaching change is part of a bigger plan as he prepares to pursue the biggest names at 168 pounds.
“I’m entering this second chapter of my career where we’re all in. We’re just looking for the biggest fights possible and to really build that legacy,” said Diego.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/15 at 2:05 AM
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