The lightweight Chaise Nelson is to fight Alexander Espinoza of Nicaragua at Club Hefe in Houston, Texas on October 10.
The fight represents “Pretty Boy” Nelson’s first in the nine months since he broke both hands in professional bare-knuckle boxing.
“My left hand had a hairline fracture but my right hand required three pins as the bone was sticking out after three rounds of fighting,” said Nelson, 27 and of Mansfield, Ohio. “They took some time to heal but in preparation for this fight I’ve been sparring, working the bags and my hands feel fine.
“Obviously, we’ll have to see how they hold up during the fight but I feel great. I’ve been out of the ring for nine months and I’m excited to be getting back in there.
“I don’t think it’s make or break but it is important to beat these guys and get the win, and believe me, I am going in there to win. I can understand how it could be viewed as a make-or-break fight, because a win can lead to bigger opportunities which is what I want. I don’t want to be one of those B-side opponents there just to make up the numbers. I want to move on to the next level.
“He wasn’t my first choice opponent. There were a couple of other options, including a 24-3 former Olympian, but that fell through. This is who I am up against, he’s got a good record and is going to be tough.
“There are going to be fireworks. I’m going to be fighting with a lot of power. I’m going to be looking for a KO in this fight and to really make a statement.”
Espinoza, 32, has lost his past two fights, and in the fight before that drew.
“Espinoza will be a tough opponent for Chaise,” said Nelson’s promoter Bobby Harrison. “Chaise and I have had this discussion and so there is a lot resting on it for him, especially if he wants to continue to pursue a boxing career.”
