CLEVELAND, Ohio - Willie Nelson is used to looking down on people. In a boxing ring, that can be a plus or a minus.

But at 6-4 and 154 pounds, the Cleveland fighter has tried to make the best of it. So far, he has been pretty successful as his 19-1-1 record, with 11 stoppages, and North American Boxing Federation junior middleweight title will attest.

On Friday at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, Nelson will defend his title against veteran Michael Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs) of Mexico on the ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" at 9 p.m. It is a huge stepping stone for both fighters as they try to move up to bigger paydays.

Nelson, 25, has been in the pro ranks since 2006 after nearly 250 bouts as an amateur.

"It seems like a very long road," said Nelson, who won two Police Athletic League national titles. "I didn't know how long it would take. One thing, I didn't have the right people in my corner."

Things have been going Nelson's way since he began working New York-based promoters Lou DiBella and Steve Smith. He has also spent the last few years with Youngstown trainer Jack Loew, best known for guiding former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.

With his height, Nelson always gets compared to lanky Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns. He doesn't go for it.

"I don't like it," said Nelson, who claimed the vacant title with a unanimous decision against John Jackson in September in Las Vegas. "I'm my own fighter with my own personality. I don't try to fight like Tommy Hearns. It puts a lot of pressure on me.

"I'm more of a boxer, puncher. Our styles are compeltely different."

However, Loew said there is a resemblance when it comes to power, both like Hearns and Pavlik.

"Willie has that strong upper body," said Loew, training out of his South Side Boxing Club. "Those big shoulders are like Kelly's. He's got some pop. He might not stop you with one punch, but he will put together three or four and get you."

Medina, 26, is 4 inches shorter and will be down 9 inches in reach, as Nelson has the advantage, 81 to 72. But those numbers can get in the way.

"The disadvantage is I'm throwing punches down and if I miss I'm open," Nelson said. "I've got to get my hands back quick. If I miss over the top I'm exposed. Boxing is a funny sport. It only takes one shot."

It is a sport of desperation as well. Medina has lost to contenders Vanes Martirosyan and John Duddy. He was stopped by Saul Roman two years ago in the second round. He can't afford to get shuffled back.

"It's a big fight for him," said Loew. "He's had some chances and he won't get too many more. We know he's going to be right in front of us."

Nelson is cautious in his confidence.

"I have the advantage in reach, and I have to figure out how to get in and break him down," Nelson said. "It is a great feeling when you win. I know he has the heart of a lion and he comes straight forward. I can't count him out, just like I can't count myself out."

After Nelson-Medina, IBF featherweight champ Billy Dib (35-1, 21 KOs) of Australia will defend against Russia's Evgeny Gradovich (14-0, 7 KOs).

History

Ezzard Charles won a majority decision against Cleveland's Joey Maxim in a heavyweight bout in Cincinnati in 1949.

Columbus show

There is a pro card at the Lifestyle Pavilion in Columbus on Saturday. Daniel Martz (7-0, 6 KOs) will face 275-pound John L. Smith (13-0, 3 KOs), who is trained by former champion James "Buster" Douglas. Veteran Michael Clark (43-8) meets welterweight Brian Camechis (20-4) in the other headliner.

The show is part of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival.

Saturday

Showtime will be in Las Vegas Cuba's Richard Abril (17-3-1, 6 KOs) takes on Sharif Bogere (23-0, 15 KOs) of Uganda for the vacant WBA lightweight title at 10 p.m.

To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter:

jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse