While Golden Boy-backed contender Fulghum has expressed a desire to explore other, more lucrative options after a career-best win, plans are already in place for a sequel in the new year.

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn wants to see whether it was merely an off-night for Pacheco, or a sign of things to come and confirmed a rematch clause was part of the contract in his post-fight interview.

"We'll run it back in 2027. It was a great fight between two very talented 168-pounders, but Diego didn't look like himself. He looked flat, weak, unraveled very quickly. A lot of that was down to Darius Fulghum, who took advantage."

Although Fulghum (16-1-1, 13 KOs) warned critics prior that Pacheco was overlooking him, few actually believed he'd do enough to win over the 12-round distance. Yet in their DAZN headliner from California's Dignity Health Sports Park, he began intently and hadn't lost a round through the first four frames.

Hearn, who joined TNT's broadcast panel pre-fight to preview the matchup, couldn't believe what he was watching unfold ringside as Fulghum kept Pacheco honest behind the jab before roughing him up on the inside.

Despite being urged for more intensity and defensive responsibility by coach Buddy McGirt, Pacheco (26-1, 19 KOs) was increasingly bruised and dejected after suffering his career-first professional defeat.

The Ring's No. 6-rated super middleweight cannot afford to spend long mulling over the loss, considering the steady progress he was making before this matchup. Hearn said he'll support the 25-year-old's decision without coddling him, but has already made his feelings known that an immediate rematch and chance for revenge is best.

"That’s down to him and Buddy McGirt but for me, that wasn’t Diego Pacheco that we saw in there," Hearn added.

"But if you lose in the rematch, then you're in trouble. But that's the game, what do you want to do? Do you want to be a world champion, be at the top level? In my opinion, you go back and lick your wounds, you work hard, come back stronger and run it back. That's what I will be advising him to do."