And though he is closing in on 40, Nelson is still a relevant fighter at 168 pounds, having won 20 of his 21 fights while beating the likes of Cem Kilic, DeAndre Ware, and Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez, with his only loss coming via decision to unbeaten Diego Pacheco in January.
Now beating a live underdog like Santana won’t get the Nebraskan a title fight, it keeps his hopes alive in the division.
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“It’s one of them fights where it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m still here and I’m still a factor out here, despite a loss,’” said Nelson.
“I wish I could have gone back and did this different and stuff like that (against Pacheco). But that’s all part of getting experience, because even with my age, I started boxing at 21, so, for me, to make these accomplishments and this progression, I’m okay with it.”
