Diego Pacheco has the same goal as every other up-and-coming fighter - win a world title. Ultimately, if the 23-year-old wants to cross that bridge, he’ll likely have to face off against Ring Magazine, WBA, WBC, and WBO champion, Canelo Alvarez.

Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs) has seemingly done everything right. With eye-catching wins and a sparkling clean record, Pacheco has earned a top-four ranking in each of the sanctioning bodies outside of the WBA, including a number-one slot in the WBO.

Naturally, Pacheco should be next in line to fight Alvarez. But, according to Jose Benavidez Sr., his current trainer, no one should be holding their breath.

“I don’t think he would fight Diego,” explained Benavidez Sr. to The Ring during a recent Zoom interview. “He’ll stay far away from Diego.”

Is Alvarez a great fighter? Benavidez Sr. sure believes so. With that said, he’s under the impression that Alvarez is a bit selective when it comes to choosing opponents. Considering Pacheco’s height, reach, and overall boxing ability, the longtime trainer doesn’t see a world where Alvarez will pick up the phone to give them a call.

“Diego is a counter puncher, he’s an aggressive fighter, he goes to the body, he hits hard with both hands. He doesn’t fit the mold. Not for Canelo. I don’t think they want to mess around with Diego Pacheco.”

If a fight with Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) were even remotely possible, Pacheco will have to take care of business first against Steven Nelson on January 25. The two will officially get it on at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas Nevada. But even if The Ring’s number three ranked contender goes out there and looks as explosive as ever, Benavidez Sr. is convinced that his fighter will never get the shot they're looking for.

“It’s never going to happen. Never.”