In a tactical fight, Pacheco clearly wins 117-111 and thus remains unbeaten. Nelson remains stubborn, but is unable to threaten the winner.
Diego Pacheco remains unbeaten in his 23rd professional fight. The 23-year-old super middleweight defeated Steven Nelson unanimously on points on Saturday evening in Las Vegas. The judges scored the fight 117-111 unanimously for the number 4 in the BOXSPORT world super-middleweight rankings.
Nelson never gives up
The 36-year-old Steven Nelson from Omaha, Nebraska, fights determinedly to the end. Nevertheless, he finds no means against the taller and younger Pacheco. The Californian uses his reach advantage wisely and keeps Nelson at a distance with hard right hands.
Pacheco dominates from the fourth round
The fight begins cautiously. Both boxers feel each other out. In the fourth round, Pacheco lands a right jab that leaves marks over Nelson’s left eye. Despite the cut, Nelson fights on bravely, but Pacheco is on the pressure and exploits his advantage. In the seventh round, Pacheco scores several times with right uppercuts. Nelson takes the hits but remains steadfast. In round ten, Pacheco lands a hard right hook that staggers Nelson. But the experienced boxer recovers quickly and prevents a knockout.
Exciting final spurt without success
Nelson launches a final attack in the twelfth round. A left hook hits Pacheco, but he counters immediately. Nelson scores again with a right hand, but Pacheco remains stable and brings the victory safely to the finish. After the fight, Diego Pacheco is self-critical: “It wasn’t my best performance, but we won.” Nelson praises his opponent’s toughness and acknowledges the defeat. Promoter Eddie Hearn now names Caleb Plant and Jaime Munguia as possible opponents for Pacheco. However, the latter is now aiming for a title fight. His long-term goal is a duel against Canelo Alvarez.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger
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