“Pacheco has to wait his turn” – Steven Nelson’s trainer

Steven Nelson’s trainer Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre says highly rated super middleweight contender Diego Pacheco is a “fantastic boxer, but he just has to wait his turn.” BoMac wants the 23-year-old Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs) and his team to know that it’s not his time yet. He just has to wait in line.

(Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom)

You could tell by Pacheco’s team that they didn’t take too kindly to being told by BoMac to wait because they see Diego as the guy to take over the 168-lb division.

Canelo Alvarez is on his way out and doesn’t look like he’s up against the top fighters. Pachedo is the guy headed for stardom at Super Middleweight.

“Wait your turn” – BoMac to Pacheco

BoMac and Terence Crawford both know it’s now-or-never for the 36-year-old Nelson. He’s too old to keep hanging around, and he likely won’t get another chance if he loses to Pacheco on Saturday night. It took Steven so long to get to this fight, and now he has to show what he can do.

Pacheco and Nelson (20-0, 16 KOs) will headline this Saturday, January 25, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Chelsea Ballroom, Las Vegas. The event will be shown live on DAZN. In the co-main event, 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz fights Omar Salcido in a 10-round WBC lightweight title eliminator.

Eddie Hearn: “BoMac, this is a guy you’ve been yelling about for a long time. Terence said: ‘Give this guy a chance. He is a world class champion.’ The moment is here on Saturday night, a real fight, and a big fight too. I know you guys are really excited for this one,” promoter Hearn said during today’s final press conference for Saturday night’s event on DAZN.

Coach Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre: “We are ready. We’re never on the B-side, but that’s okay. We will accept the challenge.”

Hearn: “You’ve been on both ends of the spectrum of fighters that have come through. Now, you’ve got a guy who’s never been given the opportunity (Nelson). He’s an older guy and it has to happen for him now. He’s undefeated, he’s 20-0. On the other hand, a young man (Pacheco) looks like he’s been tested, but has never really been tested.

“Obviously the plan is to test him. What’s the difference between these two guys, and why does your charge win on Saturday night?”

BoMac: “They’re both good fighters, and he’s got a good trainer, Benavidez’s dad (Jose Sr.) But what makes Steven a little different is probably that IQ, and that will and determination. Now, the kid (Pacheco) is young. He’s a fantastic boxer, but he just has to wait his turn.”

Hearn: “I know his (Nelson’s) pedigree in the gym. He is slightly older than him. How much does he want it on Saturday night?”

BoMac: “You see. “

Coach Jose Benavidez Sr.: “We have to make a statement. I know Diego is ready to take over at 168, and on Saturday everyone is going to see the new face of boxing.”

Hearn: “Steve Nelson may not be the biggest name in the world, but everyone knows how good he is. Some will say, ‘Why Steven Nelson? Is this a dangerous fight?’ But we want real fights. We have to prove it.”

Crawford was at the press conference in support of his friend, Nelson, but there is nothing he can do to help him against Pacheco on Saturday night. If Nelson doesn’t have the talent to win this fight, Terence is just going to have to sit back and watch the spectacle.

You’d think that if Nelson was a big deal, fans would know by now. He wouldn’t have to wait until he was 36 to prove it.