Pacheco (26-0, 19 KOs) and Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) will headline a Matchroom Boxing show on DAZN and TNT's "The Fight" series at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The card will kick off at 8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. GMT.

Pacheco, ranked No. 6 by The Ring at 168 pounds, realizes that he needs to convincingly beat Fulghum and look good while doing so to earn higher-profile fights. A potential world title shot next year looms if he does, and he could be shortlisted for a crack down the line at former two-time undisputed division champion and current WBC titleholder Canelo Alvarez, who's currently rated No. 1 in the weight class by The Ring.

"I've been praying for that – hopefully 2027 is the perfect time for a world title shot," Pacheco said during a media workout. "I want to give a big shout out to Matchroom and DAZN for the way they've taken my career this far, from literally debuting to 26-0 and headlining in back-to-back fights in my hometown of Los Angeles.

"I'm 100 percent locked in on this fight. Fulghum is a good fighter. We can't overlook him. At this level, every fight is dangerous; every fighter can fight and is hungry. So it's about who wants it more, and that's what I have to stay focused on."

Pacheco's progression from prospect to contender has experienced some rough patches over the last two years. In 2025, Pacheco fought to the final bell with average performances and unanimous decision wins against the likes of Steven Nelson, Trevor McCumby and Kevin Lele Sadjo. Against Sadjo, Pacheco even suffered a knockdown.

For his last fight in July, with new coach Buddy McGirt in his corner, Pacheco beat down Immanuwel Aleem for 10 one-sided rounds and finally stopped him in the 11th, a feat WBC interim champion Lester Martinez couldn't accomplish earlier this year against Aleem.

Pacheco understands that he needs to deliver another eye-pleasing performance against Fulghum for even bigger step-up fights in the immediate future.

"I'm going to make sure Fulghum dances to my beat, and I'll take care of business regardless," Pacheco said. "I've never felt more ready than I do right now, and I'm just excited to get back in there. Fulghum is a great fighter, so I think a statement win against him is going to be amazing for my career.

"Fulghum knows this is a make-or-break fight for him. He's also trying to win a world title. This is the perfect opportunity for him. I have to be 100-percent ready and make sure I make no mistakes.

"I just want a great fight. I want Fulghum to come out and give it his all because I'm for sure going to give it my all. I want the fans to leave with a memorable night … I think I'll get the knockout, but I'm going in there with the mentality of controlling, taking over, showing my levels, and then, if the opportunity presents itself, we go for the knockout. But if not, we're ready to box all day if we have to."

If he's able to prolifically prove himself against Fulghum, Pacheco has grandiose plans for a clash against WBA champion Jaime Munguia if the Mexican is able to handle his business against mandatory challenger Bektemir Melikuziev, who handed Fulghum the lone loss of his career during a May 2025 firefight.

"I have to make sure I look good and put on a good performance, and then we go from there," Pacheco said. "It's all about working and just getting to the top. I feel like I'm on the right path, and we're almost there.

"The division is wide open right now; it's up for grabs. I'm definitely up there to take over and mix it up with all of the guys at 168. The guys I must fight are Jaime Munguia, Lester Martinez, Hamzah Sheeraz, Christian Mbilli, and Armando Resendiz. I'm past this development phase where I was a prospect, and now I'm ready to fight for a world title.

"My goal is to become undisputed at 168. It's not just about becoming a world champion – it's about staying there for years and ruling the division, and that's what I'm planning to do."