Super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) has experienced an obstacle-laden journey in boxing. Nothing has come easy for the personable Texan, but that could change on November 14th when he takes on Diego Pacheco (26-0, 19 KOs). Fulghum continues on his mission to fight for a world title and an impressive victory over Pacheco would be a big step towards that goal. Pacheco-Fulghum, scheduled for ten rounds, will be shown live on DAZN, TNT and truTV from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. “Life is about the need to overcome adversity and it can also be a beautiful story,” commented Fulghum about his arduous and often unfair journey. "No great stories are without trials and tribulations to overcome. When I decided to box when I was 18, I said I’d never give up and made that commitment to myself. Nothing’s been easy during my journey and it’s crazy how it has been."
He continued, “I lined up the 2020 Olympics and school (Prairie View A&M University) and overcame that. I was seeded 8th in the Olympic (heavyweight) Olympic Trials to make the Olympic Team, but then COVID hit.”
Initially, Fulghum lacked confidence and was insecure growing up. He was not good at sports, but he was an intelligent kid in high school. But then he found boxing. “I’m okay now,” he said. “I’m humble but believe in myself because of boxing. I did play team sports, but it lacked accountability. Boxing is you by yourself. I love that accountability aspect; if I won it’s me and when I lost it’s all on me. That taught me how to be a leader. I trust and believe in myself and always work hard.”
Because of COVID, the 2020 Olympics were pushed back to 2021. Fulghum had graduated from Prairie View with a degree in nursing and he decided to turn pro rather than wait for up-in-the-air Olympics. Unfortunately, the promotional company had him on the shelf most of the time before it went out of business. “There was uncertainty,” Fulghum admitted about his new promoter. “I wasn’t fighting or making money while a lot of my friends from nursing school were killing it. I stayed focused and double downed, sparring top fighters in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. My first camp was with Zurdo Ramirez (a two-division champion) and that’s how I met (his manager) David Suh and got with 3 PM (Suh’s managerial company, 3 Point Management). I got good work, experience and kept busy.”
Adversity struck again, however, when Fulghum suffered his first loss in the pro ranks on May 30, 2025, by way of a tough twelve-round loss to Bektemir Melikuziev (15-1), followed five months later with a ten-round draw with David Stevens (15-2). Fulghum responded by switching his training camps from his hometown of Houston to Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood in California. His head trainer, Darnell Pierce, remains in that position but Julian Chua, a rising trainer, is helping to fine-tune Fulghum. The first result saw Fulghum stop Cuban fighter Yoanki Urrutia in the third round of their fight this past May.
“Los Angeles is great,” he offered, “the weather, atmosphere and to be surrounded by people who push and motivate me.”
Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked #1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
“This fight (vs. Pacheco) will make my story that much sweeter,” Fulghum concluded. “It’s also motivational because I’m going to prove that little, insecure kid made the right decision.”
Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM)
