By Arthur Rooks, Boxing Contributor
LAS VEGAS – Diego Pacheco showcased poise and precision Saturday night, solidifying his place among super middleweight elites with a decisive unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Steven Nelson. In a high-stakes 12-round main event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the 23-year-old rising star used his height, reach, and sharp combinations to frustrate Nelson, who struggled to close the distance against the towering 6-foot-4 Pacheco.
Judges Tim Cheatham, Max De Luca, and David Sutherland unanimously scored the bout 117-111, reflecting Pacheco’s dominance through consistent work with his overhand right and slicing uppercuts. Though not his most dynamic performance, Pacheco credited Nelson’s resilience for pushing him to adapt and execute a disciplined game plan.
The fight highlighted contrasting trajectories, as Pacheco (23-0, 18 KOs) continued his meteoric rise while Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs) battled ring rust and struggled to find a rhythm. The Omaha native landed occasional big shots, including a hard left hook in the 12th round, but Pacheco’s crisp counters and ability to control range rendered Nelson’s efforts insufficient.
Pacheco’s sustained pressure drew blood with a right hand in the fourth round and showcased his power in the 10th with a right hand that momentarily staggered Nelson. Despite Nelson’s rugged determination, Pacheco’s versatility and maturity shone through, cementing his status as a leading contender in the division. “It wasn’t my best performance, but we did what we had to do to get the win,” Pacheco said post-fight, marking another step forward in his quest for championship gold.
