As previously reported by BoxingScene, the super middleweight clash between Diego Pacheco and Steven Nelson is heading to Las Vegas. They will box at The Cosmopolitan on Saturday, January 25, on a bill that is made up with Cuban star Andy Cruz fighting Omar Salcido and Ernesto Mercado against Jose Pedraza.
Pacheco is 22-0 (18 KOs), Nelson is 20-0 (16 KOs).
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring early 2025 against another undefeated opponent –the DP show continues,” said Pacheco.
“This is the type of fight I been wanting so I can show the world who I am,” said Nelson.
Like Pacheco, Cruz and Mercado are also hoping to get into the world title mix in 2025.
Cuban hotshot Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs), an Olympic gold medallist, is ranked the WBA and IBF No. 4 at lightweight.
“January 25 is another opportunity for me to showcase my talent to the world and shine,” said Cruz. “This is another test on my journey to becoming a world champion where all the effort and dedication will be put to the test. All my training and sacrifice has brought me here. When I enter the ring, I am not only fighting my opponent. I am challenging my own limits as I aim for greatness.”
Salcido, 20-1 (14 KOs), said he was working hard and ready for a war.
“Andy Cruz is a talented fighter; however, I am up for the challenge. I know the importance of this fight, a win over Cruz will be huge and will open many great opportunities for me,” he said.
Mercado, 16-0 (15 KOs), is going in with veteran Pedraza, 29-6-1 (14 KOs).
“I’m excited to get back in the ring and even more now that I’m facing former world champion Jose Pedraza on January 25 in Las Vegas,” said Mercado. “Don’t miss it because I’m going to knock his bald-headed ass out in a way you have never seen before.”
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