Being undefeated isn’t coming with a ton of respect from the betting world. Sportsbooks across the globe aren't giving Steven Nelson much of a chance when he jumps into the ring against Diego Pacheco on January 25th, at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Some may point to his age but the 36-year-old doesn't believe that has anything to do with it. Could it be his skills? Nelson shakes his head at that notion as well. Whatever the reason, Nelson isn’t spending too much time trying to figure it out. Simply put, it’s the same old redundant pattern.

“That’s like my whole life man,” Nelson told PYP Boxing recently on a Zoom call. “Outside of boxing, it’s always been like that. I’ve always been slept on. I’ve always had to prove myself. It’s nothing new to me.”

Pacheco, currently ranked No. 3 by The Ring, has barely broken a sweat in 22 pro fights. In what was viewed as a step up in competition, the hard-hitting young star made quick work of Maciej Sulecki, stopping him in the sixth round in late 2024.

Nelson (20-0, 16 KOs) might be accustomed to the naysayers but he isn’t oblivious to what Pacheco brings to the table. The 23-year-old is ranked, outside of the WBA, in the top four of all of the sanctioning bodies.

Pernicious power, lanky, defensive skills, and youthful energy is what Nelson is expecting. That said, he won’t be caught off guard. With tireless hours being put into the gym as he continues to prepare, Nelson is convinced that it doesn’t quite matter what version of Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs) shows up. A win over him is essentially a formality.

“I’m preparing for whatever he brings to the game. Nothing he brings is going to be surprising to me.”