Steven Nelson embraces villain role ahead of Diego Pacheco fight

Super middleweight Steven Nelson has spent most of his career helping other fighters around him get ready for their big fights. Now Nelson’s own moment has arrived – and he is readying for his biggest fight as a professional. 

Nelson, 20-0 (16 KOs), will fight undefeated Diego Pacheco on January 25 in a 12-round main event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The bout will be broadcast on DAZN. 

Nelson, 36, is best known for being a close friend of Terence “Bud” Crawford and working diligently in the gym during Crawford’s rise to stardom. Nelson, like Crawford, is from Omaha, Nebraska. 

“I was always Robin, you know, like Batman and Robin. When I was with Bud in camps, I was helping him get ready and stuff like that,” Nelson said. “Now I’m the lead superhero in this one – or the villain, since I am the B-side.” 

The camp has been a strong reminder of how far he has come in the sport. Early in his career, Nelson was signed to Top Rank, but he has never had a camp like the one he’s in now. He is the first to spar and he is getting the full attention of respected trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre each day. Nelson is the focus of his team right now. 

“The one experience that I can say prepared me for this fight would be my injury in the pros,” Nelson said of an Achilles tendon tear he suffered in 2021. “I am coming in as the B-side. People are doubting me and stuff like that. It’s the same as my injury. The doctor told me it would take 14 months just to get back in the gym. I was back in the gym within seven months.” 

Pacheco, a 23-year-old from Los Angeles, holds a record of 22-0 (18 KOs). He is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, No. 3 by the WBC, and No. 6 by the IBF, prime position for a title shot.

Nelson’s sole rating is with the WBO, which has him at No. 13.

“I don’t want to underestimate anybody,” Nelson said. “I’d rather overestimate them. In my mind, Pacheco is the greatest fighter that ever lived, and that’s how I train.”

Nelson has had a hard career. He turned pro in 2016 but is only now getting his big break. Since his injury in 2021, Nelson has fought three times, once per year in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Nelson carries that chip on his shoulder into the ring as an experienced veteran looking to make the most of a shot he feels is long overdue.

“For so many years I’ve stood by and seen so many of my counterparts be managed and promoted, and I have been frustrated realizing I’m as good, if not better, than some of them,” Nelson said. “I knew my time was coming. I can’t worry about little stuff. My grandma taught me not to worry about what other people are doing. I’m focused on me. What is for you is for you. Can’t nobody take it.”