Undefeated Steve Nelson returns to the ring after two-year layoff

So Cold is looking to get hot again.

Undefeated Steve “So Cold” Nelson turned pro in 2016 and went a perfect 17-0, with 14 KOs, before he had to hit the brakes due to injury in 2020. He is set to return on (close friend) Terence Crawford’s card on December 10, in their shared hometown of Omaha, Nebraska.

Nelson will be in a support bout to the main event that will see undefeated superstar Crawford, considered perhaps the very best of boxing, going up against Russia-born, United Kingdom-residing David Avanesyan, who comes in at 29-3-1 (17 KOs).

While the Nebraska faithful is happy to fill the CHI Health Center to see their local star ply his trade, most are hoping this is just a stay-busy fight for “Bud” while he preps for a spring showdown with fellow-undefeated welterweight Errol Spence of DeSoto, Texas. But that fight, and that conversation, is for another time.

Speaking to Nelson from his training base in Colorado, MaxBoxing caught up with him to get thoughts on his upcoming bout, his first in over two years.

Bill Tibbs: Hi Steve, nice to catch up again, it’s been a while.

Steve Nelson: Hey Bill, yeah, all good.

BT: You have been off a little over two years. What was the setback?

SN: Well, things were going well, and then the pandemic hit and that was hard to get fights during that time. But, then around spring 2021, I popped my Achilles, and that needed surgery. It didn’t come about as a result of a big thing or anything like that, I was just in the ring moving and I guess it was ready to go because it just popped and then I had to get surgery. I would feel it from time to time, but nothing too bad and I just ignored it but when it popped, I had to get it dealt with.

BT: How old are you now?

SN: I’m 34.

BT: That isn’t old by any means, but in a strange way, do you think the time off was good in that it was a time to rest up, heal up, and recharge in a sense?

SN: Absolutely. In a way, this break really allowed me to heal up and deal with some nagging injuries from before. Not just the physical but the mental aspect of things as well. I feel better than before and am excited to get back in the ring and get back to boxing, injury free, and excited to show what I can do. This is like a fresh start, both mentally and physically.

BT: How have you felt in the gym?

SN: I feel great. Like I said, I feel better than before, not just physically but mentally also. Really excited to get back in the ring on the 10th.  

BT: You fought for a long time at 168, do you feel better and stronger at 175?

SN: Well, the weight cut is what it is. I didn’t have any real troubles with it at 168, it is just part of the job, another day at the office. But the cut is a bit easier at 175 and I feel good at the weight. I felt strong at 168 and I feel strong at 175.   

BT: What are your goals both short and long(er) term?

SN: Well, of course, a world title shot one day is always the goal, but for the short term, I am just looking forward to getting back in the ring and establishing myself again. Show the people that I am back and feeling better than ever   

BT: I have to ask you while I have you, as you have been a lifelong friend of Bud’s. Crawford/Spence? Is it going to happen in the spring and how do you see it?

SN: I’m not just saying this because we are friends. I always give an unbiased opinion. But the truth is that Bud just has too many parts to his game that he brings to the ring for Spence. I respect Spence. He is a good fighter, but Bud is just so blessed with his boxing ability. He can box, he can fight right or southpaw, he can bang, he has great movement; he has great defense. How do you prepare for that? I think the fight will happen and Bud will show everyone. Spence is a good fighter, but Bud is a whole different thing; a special fighter. He has so many attributes he brings to the ring, and he’ll show that when they fight. He just has too much for Spence. 

BT: Finally, you must be excited to be fighting back at home.

SN: Oh, you have no idea how excited I am. I haven’t fought at home since early in my career and I was on the undercard. Now I’m on the PPV. There is no crowd like an Omaha crowd for a Bud Crawford fight. It is going to be a very exciting night; I can’t wait.

BT: Thanks for the chat, Steve, and best of luck on the 10th. Look forward to talking after the fight.

SN: Thanks Bill, for sure.