Nine months after breaking both his hands in a pro bare knuckle fight, Ohio's Chaise 'Pretty Boy' Nelson returns to the ring against Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza. Nelson (21-3-1, 8KOs) and Espinoza (23-8-3, 8KOs) will headline BiYu Brawl 3 in an eight-round lightweight contest at Houston's Club Hefe on Friday October 10.

The 27-year-old is raring to go after putting in some hard shifts in the gym and declaring himself ready.

Nelson, who combines his professional boxing career with being a police officer in Mansfield, Ohio, revealed that he needed surgery to repair one of his broken hands following the five-round fight in January.

"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. 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 the ring for nine months and I'm excited to be getting back in there."

However, it is more than a year since Nelson last pulled on the gloves for a 10 rounder against Miguel Flores (25-5-1) for the vacant WBC USA featherweight title, which he lost on a unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, his opponent, a former WBC International Silver title holder, comes into the fight on the back of two defeats and a draw in 2025.

Nelson, who is contracted to BiYu Promot

ions and has won ABO, ABF and UBO titles, goes into what has been described as 'a career defining fight' by his promoter and manager Bobby Harrison.

Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions said: "This is an incredible bout between two genuine fighters with very strong records. Espinoza will be a tough opponent for our guy Chaise, who is aware that this fight could be career defining. 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."

Nelson, who has ambitions to join the FBI, is determined to prolong his boxing career and has attempted to brush off the high stakes.

"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 make up the numbers. I want to move on the next level."

He added: "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 good record and is going to be tough. I think people should tune into this fight as 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 really make a statement."