Diego Pacheco (23-0, 18 KOs) denied Stephen Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs) was the most formidable opponent he has faced in his professional career after defeating him by a 12-round unanimous decision 117-111k 3 on Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
(Credit: Melina Pisano/Matchroom)
Although Pacheco did not name the fighters who gave him a hard time, Shawn McCalman and Marcelo Coceres stand out as the two with whom he had significant problems.
Disadvantages exposed
Nelson was a nightmare for Pacek, 23, as he stayed there until the later rounds, then came on strong in the 11th and 12th to mete out the punishment. He forced Pacek to hold back often in those rounds to neutralize the attacks. Pacheco did not look impressive.
Two flaws that Nelson exposed in Pacek
- There is no inner game
- Uncomfortable due to pressure
- Lacks Confidence: Nelson backed Pacek throughout the fight, forcing him to give up and hold.
The performance showed that Pacheco is vulnerable and can be beaten by fighters who put pressure and power on him. On the other hand, Nelson showed that Pacheco fights even against no-hitters if you can attack him relentlessly.
“Anyone in the top five. I am ranked number 1 in the WBO and in the top five in the other sanctioning bodies,” said Diego Pacheco on post-fight press conference when asked who he wants to fight next after his win over Stephen Nelson on Saturday night.
“Maybe because of the skill,” Pacheco said when asked if Stephen Nelson was his toughest opponent. “In no round did I have the feeling that I was in trouble.” Maybe in the last round, where he caught me with a few shots and I had to tighten up a little bit. Stephen Nelson showed a big heart and a great beard. But other than that, nothing else.
“I showed my skills, and my game plan was much better.” I felt like I was never tired in any lap. I felt like I was in control of the pace and the fight. “I could have gone more rounds if the fight had been longer,” said Pacheco.
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