Johnny Nelson retires

[stujones]

Well as most heard, Johnny Nelson announced his retirement on the Ted Bami vs Lauri card. I for one think it will be a perminant retirement.

Johnny had an excellent career, he first made an impression on TV as a pro back in the days when Dickie Davies was presenting the boxing on ITV. A dedicated proffesion, it is testiment that during his "exile" period that he had many short notice jobs but never looked out of shape.

After more than a shaky start to his pro career, Nelson started to build some momentum - a stand out early win was vs Crawford Ashley on points. Johnny never lost a British title fight and was geniunally entertaining fighter early on - then came the De Leon and Warring fights.

Johnny was then yesterdays news, deemed a never will be and was pretty much forced to become a journeyman for up and coming heavyweights (including world champions Henry Akinwande and Corrie Sanders).

I'm not sure what made Johnny decide that enough was enough, but in 1996 he stated his intentions by whalloping the normally durable Tony Booth in two rounds. That performance alone got the attention of the trade papers and soon enough Johnny was showcased on Sky, looking impressive win winning first the British and then the EBU Cruiser title. This was probably the best period in Nelson's career.

Johnny soon became the WBO #1 contender, and won the belt somewhat controvesially over Carl Thompson. I personally felt a rematch should have been made, Thomspon was slowly getting into the fight and his eyes were clear at the time of the stoppage. However, Nelson was well on top in a career best performance.

He went on to make 13 defences, against largely dubious oppoents (he also won the WBU Heavyweight during this reign) and didn't have many memorable fights. My personally favourite performance of Johnny's title defensives was vs Rudiger May in his penultimate fight. He put on a boxing master class there.

I have the utmost respect for Johnny as a proffesional, a dilejent pro who you could never say was found wanting for stamina (even at 38). He was also very astute outside of the ring.... Despite many claims that fellow champions such as Vassily Jirov and Jaun Carlos Gomez were avoiding him. I think Johnny knew age was against him in unification fights and I'm sure he would have been a heavy underdog (something that was rare with Johnny). I do stand by one of my very first posts on this forum questioning whether he has a fear of taking punches and I do question if he ever had a champions heart, cause he never had to really find something drastic to save a lost cause (unlike his rival Thompson and would be successor Maccarinelli). However, I do respect his achievments and they way he has known his limitations, but yet caved out a long and successful career.

Best of luck in your future endevours, Johnny. You are/were a credit to the gym.

[DG.]

[states]

Yep, fair play to Johnny. Regardless of your opinion of him in the ring, he's had a decent career, and he's out of the game with his faculties intact. And like Stu, I also consider it a permanent retirement. Now his mind is made up, I don't see anything tempting him back. I'd have liked to see him in against Enzo, but if he can't get himself into top shape, then there's no point in carrying on.

I really do like him as a pundit as well, probably the best of the lot on British TV at the moment.

[stujones]

I really do like him as a pundit as well, probably the best of the lot on British TV at the moment.

Yes he is good, not as good as Watt but good. I do find it a tad frustating though as he talks a better fight than he often fought.

Sometimes he'll say that if a natural back foot boxer is getting caught too often, that he needs to stamp his authority, needs to push the come forward fight back... needs to gain the come forward fighter respect. I'm agreeing with this, but cannot help thinking "you wouldn't Johnny, you would be looking flustered and tying up".

I stand by my first post completely, but if I have one word to sum up my thoughts on his career - I will say "frustration". He had the physical attributes to be quite possibly THE outstanding fighter this country as EVER produced. The guy was almost a freak from the weight, with handspeed of a middleweight and very good power. Really only two fighters of his generation that could had more skills than him were Juan Carlos Gomez and Roy Jones.... yet Johnny would still have a size advantage going into those fights.

If he had the fighting balls of Carl Thompson, he might have had a shorter career - but I think it would have been a damn exciting one and one in which people from the Current Scene will be upset he is calling it a day.

[states]

Sorry, I should have clarified myself Stu: I meant he's the best post-fight analysist, rather than commentator, which is what I consider Watt to be these days.

I agree entirely though that he's a bit rich in some of his comments, when compared to the way he fought. I do think it's a product of the Ingle Gym that there's more emphasis on not being hit, than actually hitting someone. However, if you look at the Wincobank as somewhere to send your kids, which it is in many ways, as opposed to an out and out 'build a world champion' boxing gym, I can understand that. The Ingle style has always been safety-first, which is a sensible approach in many ways. It was only his unreal power that enabled Hamed to break from that mould.

[Autobarn]

Well as most heard, Johnny Nelson announced his retirement on the Ted Bami vs Lauri card. I for one think it will be a perminant retirement.

Johnny had an excellent career, he first made an impression on TV as a pro back in the days when Dickie Davies was presenting the boxing on ITV. A dedicated proffesion, it is testiment that during his "exile" period that he had many short notice jobs but never looked out of shape.

After more than a shaky start to his pro career, Nelson started to build some momentum - a stand out early win was vs Crawford Ashley on points. Johnny never lost a British title fight and was geniunally entertaining fighter early on - then came the De Leon and Warring fights.

Johnny was then yesterdays news, deemed a never will be and was pretty much forced to become a journeyman for up and coming heavyweights (including world champions Henry Akinwande and Corrie Sanders).

I'm not sure what made Johnny decide that enough was enough, but in 1996 he stated his intentions by whalloping the normally durable Tony Booth in two rounds. That performance alone got the attention of the trade papers and soon enough Johnny was showcased on Sky, looking impressive win winning first the British and then the EBU Cruiser title. This was probably the best period in Nelson's career.

Johnny soon became the WBO #1 contender, and won the belt somewhat controvesially over Carl Thompson. I personally felt a rematch should have been made, Thomspon was slowly getting into the fight and his eyes were clear at the time of the stoppage. However, Nelson was well on top in a career best performance.

He went on to make 13 defences, against largely dubious oppoents (he also won the WBU Heavyweight during this reign) and didn't have many memorable fights. My personally favourite performance of Johnny's title defensives was vs Rudiger May in his penultimate fight. He put on a boxing master class there.

I have the utmost respect for Johnny as a proffesional, a dilejent pro who you could never say was found wanting for stamina (even at 38). He was also very astute outside of the ring.... Despite many claims that fellow champions such as Vassily Jirov and Jaun Carlos Gomez were avoiding him. I think Johnny knew age was against him in unification fights and I'm sure he would have been a heavy underdog (something that was rare with Johnny). I do stand by one of my very first posts on this forum questioning whether he has a fear of taking punches and I do question if he ever had a champions heart, cause he never had to really find something drastic to save a lost cause (unlike his rival Thompson and would be successor Maccarinelli). However, I do respect his achievments and they way he has known his limitations, but yet caved out a long and successful career.

Best of luck in your future endevours, Johnny. You are/were a credit to the gym.

he did beat some good world class fihgters. as well as Thompson (& I had nelson winning every round, outclassing CT), he stopped Ezra Sellers (coming off a KO of Thompson) & boxed the ears off Marcello Domionguez (the former WBC champ). I remember Nelson was having fits with Sellers' southpaw style and got dropped. But I can recall Nelson persevering, hs brain ticking over to find that range where Sellers couldn't get him. & then finding that space where he could nail Sellers with right leads. Once he got the right lead going, he started looking the boss, and stopped Ezra with an excellent eye punch.

So I would say on his own terms, he did have a champion's heart cos he stuck wit it & pulled out the win. IMO there's nothing wrong with not wanting to get hit - he had a very long career and he must be damn pleased that he's come out of fighting looking very fit and with all his faculties intact. There was a lot of that in Lewis. IMO Johnny's style was somewhere between Lewis at his most cautious tempered by the loose, languid Ingle style.

Though he's been frustrating, I've thoroughly enjoyed folloiwng his fights. As you say, the win over May was a masterpiece & a hint of what he was REALLY capable of if he blended his offense and defense in a more balanced way.

I remember when Boxing news were previewing Mormeck-Bell. They said Mormeck-Nelson would've been a far more serious unification, as Bell was an ESPN level scrappy slugger coming off a lucky win. Given the result - with JMM tiring badly - I can't help but think Nelson would've outboxed JMM.

Of all the co-champions - Jirov, Toney, Tiozzo, Hill, JC Gomez; & then Mormeck, Bell, Kelvin Davis, Braithwaite...I can see Nelson beating all but Gomez, who was probably the most talented boxer ever at the then-190 division, & Jirov - who was the big star of the time with HBO grooming him and it would be hard to get a decision IMO being defensive

[ILikeBeer]

He'd all but retired anyway, due to his inactivity. If he hadn't retired now, Enzo would've won and he would've retired anyway.

[stujones]

Well as most heard, Johnny Nelson announced his retirement on the Ted Bami vs Lauri card. I for one think it will be a perminant retirement.

Johnny had an excellent career, he first made an impression on TV as a pro back in the days when Dickie Davies was presenting the boxing on ITV. A dedicated proffesion, it is testiment that during his "exile" period that he had many short notice jobs but never looked out of shape.

After more than a shaky start to his pro career, Nelson started to build some momentum - a stand out early win was vs Crawford Ashley on points. Johnny never lost a British title fight and was geniunally entertaining fighter early on - then came the De Leon and Warring fights.

Johnny was then yesterdays news, deemed a never will be and was pretty much forced to become a journeyman for up and coming heavyweights (including world champions Henry Akinwande and Corrie Sanders).

I'm not sure what made Johnny decide that enough was enough, but in 1996 he stated his intentions by whalloping the normally durable Tony Booth in two rounds. That performance alone got the attention of the trade papers and soon enough Johnny was showcased on Sky, looking impressive win winning first the British and then the EBU Cruiser title. This was probably the best period in Nelson's career.

Johnny soon became the WBO #1 contender, and won the belt somewhat controvesially over Carl Thompson. I personally felt a rematch should have been made, Thomspon was slowly getting into the fight and his eyes were clear at the time of the stoppage. However, Nelson was well on top in a career best performance.

He went on to make 13 defences, against largely dubious oppoents (he also won the WBU Heavyweight during this reign) and didn't have many memorable fights. My personally favourite performance of Johnny's title defensives was vs Rudiger May in his penultimate fight. He put on a boxing master class there.

I have the utmost respect for Johnny as a proffesional, a dilejent pro who you could never say was found wanting for stamina (even at 38). He was also very astute outside of the ring.... Despite many claims that fellow champions such as Vassily Jirov and Jaun Carlos Gomez were avoiding him. I think Johnny knew age was against him in unification fights and I'm sure he would have been a heavy underdog (something that was rare with Johnny). I do stand by one of my very first posts on this forum questioning whether he has a fear of taking punches and I do question if he ever had a champions heart, cause he never had to really find something drastic to save a lost cause (unlike his rival Thompson and would be successor Maccarinelli). However, I do respect his achievments and they way he has known his limitations, but yet caved out a long and successful career.

Best of luck in your future endevours, Johnny. You are/were a credit to the gym.

he did beat some good world class fihgters. as well as Thompson (& I had nelson winning every round, outclassing CT), he stopped Ezra Sellers (coming off a KO of Thompson) & boxed the ears off Marcello Domionguez (the former WBC champ). I remember Nelson was having fits with Sellers' southpaw style and got dropped. But I can recall Nelson persevering, hs brain ticking over to find that range where Sellers couldn't get him. & then finding that space where he could nail Sellers with right leads. Once he got the right lead going, he started looking the boss, and stopped Ezra with an excellent eye punch.

So I would say on his own terms, he did have a champion's heart cos he stuck wit it & pulled out the win. IMO there's nothing wrong with not wanting to get hit - he had a very long career and he must be damn pleased that he's come out of fighting looking very fit and with all his faculties intact. There was a lot of that in Lewis. IMO Johnny's style was somewhere between Lewis at his most cautious tempered by the loose, languid Ingle style.

Though he's been frustrating, I've thoroughly enjoyed folloiwng his fights. As you say, the win over May was a masterpiece & a hint of what he was REALLY capable of if he blended his offense and defense in a more balanced way.

I remember when Boxing news were previewing Mormeck-Bell. They said Mormeck-Nelson would've been a far more serious unification, as Bell was an ESPN level scrappy slugger coming off a lucky win. Given the result - with JMM tiring badly - I can't help but think Nelson would've outboxed JMM.

Of all the co-champions - Jirov, Toney, Tiozzo, Hill, JC Gomez; & then Mormeck, Bell, Kelvin Davis, Braithwaite...I can see Nelson beating all but Gomez, who was probably the most talented boxer ever at the then-190 division, & Jirov - who was the big star of the time with HBO grooming him and it would be hard to get a decision IMO being defensive

Fair enough post, not sure if I agree with it entirely.... he certainly did not box the ears of Dominguez - Dominguez was winning untill he gased in the last half of the fight.

Would Johnny have beaten all of the champions bar Gomez? Not sure, he had the physical tools to do it - but we will never know. I do think his better opponents..... Sellars, Thompson and the ageing Dominguez was probably a level below these. I definately think Hill would have outboxed Johnny.

[steve689]

Nelson is an excellent pundit with a career to be proud of despite how some people try to tar him forever with his dire fights! A true professional and a seemingly nice fella, good luck Johnny

[E]

Nelson is an excellent pundit with a career to be proud of despite how some people try to tar him forever with his dire fights! A true professional and a seemingly nice fella, good luck Johnny

Yes, Nelson has a good career as a pundit. He's insightful and speaks well.

And despite some of his poor performances, you have to commend his persistence and the way he dealt with a lack of confidence to turn his career around and become world champ.

Good luck to him.

[Autobarn]

Well as most heard, Johnny Nelson announced his retirement on the Ted Bami vs Lauri card. I for one think it will be a perminant retirement.

Johnny had an excellent career, he first made an impression on TV as a pro back in the days when Dickie Davies was presenting the boxing on ITV. A dedicated proffesion, it is testiment that during his "exile" period that he had many short notice jobs but never looked out of shape.

After more than a shaky start to his pro career, Nelson started to build some momentum - a stand out early win was vs Crawford Ashley on points. Johnny never lost a British title fight and was geniunally entertaining fighter early on - then came the De Leon and Warring fights.

Johnny was then yesterdays news, deemed a never will be and was pretty much forced to become a journeyman for up and coming heavyweights (including world champions Henry Akinwande and Corrie Sanders).

I'm not sure what made Johnny decide that enough was enough, but in 1996 he stated his intentions by whalloping the normally durable Tony Booth in two rounds. That performance alone got the attention of the trade papers and soon enough Johnny was showcased on Sky, looking impressive win winning first the British and then the EBU Cruiser title. This was probably the best period in Nelson's career.

Johnny soon became the WBO #1 contender, and won the belt somewhat controvesially over Carl Thompson. I personally felt a rematch should have been made, Thomspon was slowly getting into the fight and his eyes were clear at the time of the stoppage. However, Nelson was well on top in a career best performance.

He went on to make 13 defences, against largely dubious oppoents (he also won the WBU Heavyweight during this reign) and didn't have many memorable fights. My personally favourite performance of Johnny's title defensives was vs Rudiger May in his penultimate fight. He put on a boxing master class there.

I have the utmost respect for Johnny as a proffesional, a dilejent pro who you could never say was found wanting for stamina (even at 38). He was also very astute outside of the ring.... Despite many claims that fellow champions such as Vassily Jirov and Jaun Carlos Gomez were avoiding him. I think Johnny knew age was against him in unification fights and I'm sure he would have been a heavy underdog (something that was rare with Johnny). I do stand by one of my very first posts on this forum questioning whether he has a fear of taking punches and I do question if he ever had a champions heart, cause he never had to really find something drastic to save a lost cause (unlike his rival Thompson and would be successor Maccarinelli). However, I do respect his achievments and they way he has known his limitations, but yet caved out a long and successful career.

Best of luck in your future endevours, Johnny. You are/were a credit to the gym.

he did beat some good world class fihgters. as well as Thompson (& I had nelson winning every round, outclassing CT), he stopped Ezra Sellers (coming off a KO of Thompson) & boxed the ears off Marcello Domionguez (the former WBC champ). I remember Nelson was having fits with Sellers' southpaw style and got dropped. But I can recall Nelson persevering, hs brain ticking over to find that range where Sellers couldn't get him. & then finding that space where he could nail Sellers with right leads. Once he got the right lead going, he started looking the boss, and stopped Ezra with an excellent eye punch.

So I would say on his own terms, he did have a champion's heart cos he stuck wit it & pulled out the win. IMO there's nothing wrong with not wanting to get hit - he had a very long career and he must be damn pleased that he's come out of fighting looking very fit and with all his faculties intact. There was a lot of that in Lewis. IMO Johnny's style was somewhere between Lewis at his most cautious tempered by the loose, languid Ingle style.

Though he's been frustrating, I've thoroughly enjoyed folloiwng his fights. As you say, the win over May was a masterpiece & a hint of what he was REALLY capable of if he blended his offense and defense in a more balanced way.

I remember when Boxing news were previewing Mormeck-Bell. They said Mormeck-Nelson would've been a far more serious unification, as Bell was an ESPN level scrappy slugger coming off a lucky win. Given the result - with JMM tiring badly - I can't help but think Nelson would've outboxed JMM.

Of all the co-champions - Jirov, Toney, Tiozzo, Hill, JC Gomez; & then Mormeck, Bell, Kelvin Davis, Braithwaite...I can see Nelson beating all but Gomez, who was probably the most talented boxer ever at the then-190 division, & Jirov - who was the big star of the time with HBO grooming him and it would be hard to get a decision IMO being defensive

Fair enough post, not sure if I agree with it entirely.... he certainly did not box the ears of Dominguez - Dominguez was winning untill he gased in the last half of the fight.

Would Johnny have beaten all of the champions bar Gomez? Not sure, he had the physical tools to do it - but we will never know. I do think his better opponents..... Sellars, Thompson and the ageing Dominguez was probably a level below these. I definately think Hill would have outboxed Johnny.

I think Toney would've been too small, Bell a bit too crude etc. Not sure about Hill - his strength is underrated at cruiser and he was fast enough at 190-200 to give alot of big men problems. I do think Jirov would've got a decision over Nelson, as VJ is big and relentless. Vassili - even in a close fight - is more likely to get the nod over a defensive Nelson. JC Gomez was just the dog's bollocks for his weight. Tragic that he moved up to heavy.

I felt that Johnny won the last 8 rds vs Dominguez, after dropping the first 4

[bennie]

Sheffield's silky-skilled Johnny Nelson, long-time WBO cruiserweight champion, has bowed out of the game after 20 rollercoaster years.
He is 39.
Nelson, as a boxer, was loved or hated, given his safety-first approach. But results speak for themselves. He held the WBO title seven years, he made 13 defences - he looked as good as ever in his last defence: a points win over Rome strongman Vincenzo Cantatore in Rome last November.
He retires as undefeated champion.
Ironically, his departure was hastened not by the usual defeat or defeats but by injuries: a cruciate knee injury sustained in sparring in February and a bad back brought on by his love of showjumping. He was due to indulge Swansea's 26-year-old Enzo Maccarinelli next month in Manchester but admitted. "I watched Enzo's last fight on television at home, sitting in my underpants with my crutches by my side."
The champion has rusted this year; Maccarinelli has fought and improved.
Nelson would still have started favourite. He hasn't lost a fight in 11 years: Brazilian heavyweight Adilson Rodrigues outpointed him in a 12-rounder in Brazil in December 1995. He hasn't lost to a British fighter in 18 years: Kettering's Dennis Bailey outscored him in an eight-rounder in Northampton in February 1988. The last Welshman he fought, Andy Gerrard in Stoke in August 1988, blew his nose on Nelson's shoulder in a clinch he was so frustrated at being made to miss.
Johnny won by a mile on points.
The Sheffield man licked opponents in Denmark, France, America, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Italy and Germany (three times).
He retires to his farm, horses and TV work.