Steven Nelson

Steven “So Cold” Nelson, born on June 4, 1988, in Omaha, Nebraska, is a professional super middleweight boxer and coach standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. His journey into boxing began with an encounter at a park in Omaha, where an 11-year-old Terence “Bud” Crawford punched him, sparking a lifelong friendship and mentorship. Although Nelson did not take up boxing until after high school, he was already an accomplished athlete, excelling in the military as a standout competitor. However, upon returning to Omaha and stepping into the boxing gym, he was humbled by Crawford, who dominated him in sparring. This experience ignited Nelson's passion for the sport, leading him to take boxing seriously and commit to a professional career.

Before turning professional, Nelson had a distinguished amateur career, winning multiple national titles, including the U.S. National Championship and the National Golden Gloves. He also won the All-Army and Armed Forces titles twice and competed for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Nelson made a powerful entrance into the professional boxing arena on March 19, 2016, achieving a decisive technical knockout against Billy Colon. Over the years, he built an impressive record with standout victories, including a commanding unanimous decision win over DeAndre Ware in 2018 and an emphatic stoppage against Cem Kilic in 2020. In 2022, he captured the NABO super middleweight title with a hard-fought decision against an undefeated prospect, firmly establishing himself as a leading contender. His momentum was unstoppable, continuing with significant victories over veteran contenders in 2023 and 2024. This led to a highly anticipated bout against Diego Pacheco on January 25, 2025, where he faced his first professional loss by unanimous decision after 12 fiercely competitive rounds.

Beyond his boxing career, Nelson serves as the executive director of B&B Sports Academy in Omaha, a nonprofit organization founded by Terence Crawford and Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. In this role, he mentors young athletes, emphasizing the importance of discipline and community engagement.

Nelson’s commitment to youth development extends to wrestling programs at the academy, reflecting his belief in the value of diverse athletic training. His efforts have made a significant impact on the community, inspiring the next generation of athletes in Omaha.

Steven “So Cold” Nelson is a pivotal figure in the resurgence of American professional boxing, embodying the ethos reminiscent of the great Roman Empire. His fighting spirit ensures that, no matter the adversity, he and his team always stand firm. Beyond boxing, Nelson is a mentor and leader dedicated to shaping the next generation of fighters who carry his relentless mindset.

Fights against Nelson resemble wars of attrition. Like ancient battles that lasted for hours or days, his relentless pace wears down opponents, ensuring he outlasts and outmaneuvers them. His footwork is precise, allowing him to remain in an advantageous position. He utilizes the “6-inch rule” to maintain optimal distance, moving with the precision of a military strategist, consistently shifting to apply pressure or evade attacks. Just as Roman soldiers rotated ranks to sustain effectiveness, Nelson alternates between offense and defense to prevent himself from fading before his opponent.

Nelson’s jab is sharp and commanding, acting as a spear wearing opponents down through a mix of body shots and dirty boxing. He employs a structured yet critical timing approach in the chaos of battle. At range, he showcases the technical brilliance of the Roman Empire like a centurion. In close quarters, his wrestling background and dirty boxing techniques enable him to overpower opponents, much like Roman soldiers engaged in brutal close-quarters combat when formations collapsed.

Steven Nelson is not just a fighter; he is a leader, much like the Roman generals who trained and led their legions to shape an empire’s future. Nelson ensures that the next generation of fighters rises under his guidance. His role at B&B Sports Academy underscores that his impact will be measured not only by his victories but also by the legacy he builds through those he trains. Stepping into the ring with Steven “So Cold” Nelson means facing a man whose fighting spirit even the Roman god Jupiter himself cannot break.