For most people, the situation would have been overwhelming. Given where he stands now, it could have shaken anyone else. But Jose Benavidez Sr. is no ordinary person. Back-to-back weekends will witness him in the corner of both his star pupil, Diego Pacheco, and his younger son, David Benavidez.

There’s a reason Jose Benavidez Sr. is one of the most respected trainers in the sport today. Most notably, he molded his son into one of the brightest stars in boxing. He might be looking forward to the February 1 clash between David and David Morrell. However, Benavidez Sr. cannot afford to overlook the challenge that Pacheco faces. A win could put Pacheco in line for a potential match against Canelo Alvarez. This same prospect was once there for David, but Canelo Alvarez reportedly demanded around $200 million for the fight. As that opportunity slipped away, David Benavidez eventually moved up to 175 pounds.

On a Matchroom card at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Chelsea Ballroom, 23-year-old Diego Pacheco will face Terence Crawford‘s close associate and stablemate, Steven Nelson. Speaking with Sean Zittel, Jose Benavidez Sr. emphasized the challenge they are about to face.

Zittel envisioned a potential scenario: “I know it’s probably not super realistic, but what would you think if you got a call and hey, Canelo wants to fight Pacheco?” Jose Benavidez Sr. doesn’t think that’s going to happen, at least not anytime soon. He pointed out that Canelo Alvarez typically looks for safer matchups.

The super middleweight champion prefers opponents who come forward and aren’t particularly impressive or challenging. On the other hand, his pupil, Diego Pacheco, is a highly skilled boxer who could pose a serious threat to Alvarez in the ring.

“So I don’t think that’s going to happen. You know, uh, trust my word on what I’m saying,” said David Benavidez’s father.

Diego Pacheco – a potential disruptor of Canelo’s reign

Sean Zittel wondered if Alvarez’s experience might be a hindrance for Pacheco. Jose Benavidez Sr. replied, “I don’t want to get ahead of my time, you know, but this fight is going to show where Diego’s at, you know, and we’re going to see that. That’s why I don’t want to talk about Canelo.” Benavidez Sr. argued that Alvarez had ‘everything to lose, nothing to gain.’

Benavidez Sr. highlighted that Alvarez’s team would be reluctant to fight someone like Diego Pacheco. He reiterated, “So I don’t think they’re going to take that chance, but right now, like I said, we’re focused 100%, and Steven Nelson is a tough fight, and we will see where Diego is with that fight.”

These are interesting points. But one might as well wonder whether Canelo Alvarez would genuinely entertain the idea of facing Diego Pacheco. Given where Alvarez stands, possibly eyeing the biggest fight of his career, stepping down to fight a young challenger might not seem appealing. Facing Pacheco wouldn’t offer much in return as Alvarez approaches the twilight years of his career.

What about you? Do you agree with what Jose Benavidez Sr. said – could Diego Pacheco seriously threaten Canelo Alvarez’s dominance?