BoxRec

Secondsout.com reports:

"Johnny Nelson will make the 11th defence of his WBO cruiserweight title against No.1 challenger Alexander Petkovic in Bayreuth, Germany on November 15.

This latest title defence represents a tough test for the Sheffield fighter, as the 23 year-old German boasts an unbeaten 28-0-3-(15) record.

For 36 year-old Nelson, this will be his first fight since November 2002, when he was held to a draw by Guillermo Jones."

What do you folks make of this? It is Nelson's first fight since that dire draw with Jones and all that kidnapping scandal arose. Petkovic is unbeaten and only 23 but in a 6 year career his record which includes 3 draws wreaks of a typical German home career. His first draw came against a 0-5 opponent and his second was controversial as his 6-1 appeared to have won, his other came against Rudiger May in 2002. Only wins of not come against Alain Simon and last time out against ex-Clinton Woods foe Sergio Baez, on points. I fancy Nelson to win on points or maybe stop this guy if he ups the tempo, which is unlikely.

This is an interesting fight, given the Germany equation. Nelson won in Germany in 1990 when he stopped Markus Bott, but things have changed since back then. Nelson could get jobbed.

I've seen Petkovic many times, he's not world class. I have not seen taking him any dodgy decisions though. I gave the fight with the fraud Rudiger May to Petkovic. Despite having fought 31 contests i believe Petkovic is only 23 years old

He got floored by Alain Simon but that was nothing serious, a short left hook he didn't see, he wasn't hurt at all, more surprised. His defense is OK, his feet are a bit awkward
He packs a nice punch but can be too cautious at times, watching him can be frustrating, he could've finished off much more opponents

I would say his fight with Sergio Martin Baez was his worst fight in a long time. He better take a tune-up before Nelson to boost his ego.

Anyway, Nelson hasn't fought in a year when he fights Petkovic, and at that age that can be a BIG disadvantage. And his last showing was everything but impressive. Also taken into account that we are in Germany...tough night for Nelson to say the least

True Bennie which is why i feel Nelson needs to shake off the lethargy and up the tempo to stop this guy, i have never seen Petkovic fight but his record suggests to me he is an average Boxer pushed beyond his means with the help of the German judges. That may sound harsh but i think he lacks the quality to beat Nelson by legitimate means.