DIEGO Pacheco and Steven Nelson meet in a tasty super-middleweight clash at the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan on January 25.
Pacheco, 22-0 (18 KOs), has been steered steadily to this stage by promoter Eddie Hearn, while Nelson, 20-0 (16 KOs), has seen his career stifle. All will be forgiven if he can foil the fight favourite. Each man is keen to separate himself from the rest of the 168-pound chasing pack.
While both are searching for the same end goal: a world title shot, the 13-year age gap means theyโre competing at different stages of their respective careers. At 36, Steven Nelson is too advanced to be labelled as a prospect.ย
The stretches of inactivity have become longer and more pronounced as his career has progressed – or regressed, some might argue. In the past, Nelsonโs training setup has been top-notch. Sharing the gym with Terence Crawford before relocating to Las Vegas, honing his pressure style, mixed with potent power, can only benefit his chances.
Nelson will need those powerful fists to dissuade Pacheco, who feels like heโs hitting a different level. Now under the guidance of Jose Benavidez Sr, training alongside David Benavidez (who is working parallel with Pacheco, preparing for a huge assignment one week later) will take the Californian to that next level.
Terence Crawford has picked Nelson to topple the young terrier. Pacheco remains unperturbed. With 12 rounds to negotiate, Nelsonโs biggest test could arrive in the championship rounds – if he makes it that far.
Eager to impose himself on the younger man and show everyone what theyโve been missing, the heavy overhand shots and body punches may lead to late fight fatigue or the possibility of getting caught clean. Nelson has suffered from injury concerns in the past and Pacheco will want to take him back to a place of mental questioning.
Pacheco has been more active and fought against better opposition. In their April encounter, Shawn McCalman made Diego think. Pacheco was patient, believed in his abilities, and adjusted accordingly to win on points.
It feels like the winner will make a strong argument not just to contest a world title but to be taken seriously as a Canelo opponent. Having beaten Munguia and Berlanga, showing little interest in facing the likes of Benavidez, Canelo is happy selling opponents on their unbeaten record. If Pacheco wins, he brings the tools and profile to the table for consideration.
While Pacheco feels like the favourite, heโll need to be focused and on form to prevail. That said, itโs his fight to lose. Early on, it could be cagey and thoughtful. Once the fight starts to hit the middle rounds, expect some heavier exchanges. Pacheco will start getting the better of them, winning on points or maybe even forcing the stoppage.