Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson, born on June 4, 1988, in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, is an American professional boxer competing in the super middleweight division. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall with a reach of 75 inches , he fights from an orthodox stance. Nelson with notable victories including a tenth-round technical knockout against DeAndre Ware on September 5, 2020, and a sixth-round stoppage of Cem Kilic on January 11, 2020.

Nelson made his professional boxing debut on March 19, 2016, with a dominant first-round technical knockout victory over Billy Colon at the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas. After compiling an undefeated record of 15 wins, including 12 by knockout, he earned his first opportunity to compete for a professional title. On January 11, 2020, at the Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Nelson faced Cem Kilic for the vacant WBO-NABO super middleweight title. He claimed the title with an eighth-round TKO when Kilic’s trainer, Buddy McGirt, stepped onto the ring apron, urging referee David Fields to stop the fight and spare Kilic from further punishment.

Steven “So Cold” Nelson is a pivotal figure in the American resurgence of professional boxing, drawing inspiration from his teammate, the legendary Terence Crawford. Nelson’s dynamic fighting style combines striking finesse, wrestling and great footwork, making him one of the most versatile and unpredictable athletes in the sport today.

Nelson’s footwork is a cornerstone of his success. Utilizing precise shuffles and maintaining the “6-inch rule,” he keeps himself in an optimal position to attack, defend, or evade. This disciplined footwork ensures he is always ready to close the distance, cut off the ring, or throw powerful punches at the right moment. His ability to control the space within the ring not only frustrates opponents but also gives him the advantage in dictating the pace and direction of the fight.

In addition to his striking capabilities, Nelson excels in grappling exchanges, incorporating effective dirty boxing and clinch work to wear down his opponents. His wrestling fundamentals allow him to dominate in close quarters, adding another layer of control to his arsenal. This multifaceted approach enables him to seamlessly switch between offense and defense, keeping his adversaries off balance and unsure of what’s coming next.

Nelson’s style blends creativity with technical precision. At range, he mirrors the technical proficiency of legends like Marvin Hagler, using sharp jabs and strategic footwork to outbox his opponents. In close quarters, he unleashes wide, swinging power shots or employs his wrestling skills to dictate the flow of the bout.

Much like Terence Crawford, Nelson thrives on adaptability. While Crawford’s tight guard and precise punches approach technical perfection, Nelson’s unorthodox methods leverage to exploit openings and break down his opponents. His ability to cut off the ring, evade danger, and control the rhythm of a fight reflects his dedication to excellence and positions him as a major player in the American boxing renaissance.