#35 Johnny Nelson

May 29, 2019, 05:00 PM

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Sky Sports pundit or long-reigning WBO cruiserweight champion, however you know Johnny Nelson you may see him differently after this enthralling interview.

Johnny, who lost 10 of 13 amateur fights and had a disastrous beginning to life in the pros, started to learn after being publicly shamed in two world title fights and then going on the road, in Europe as a sparring partner and around the world as a journeyman heavyweight when there were no opportunities left at cruiserweight.

Yet he wound up with a record number of world title defences and did so with the enigmatic trainer Brendan Ingle in his corner.

Here, in an emotional, engaging and – at times – funny interview, he recalls his story and he cannot disguise his emotions as the first anniversary of Brendan's death approached.


Sky Sports pundit or long-reigning WBO cruiserweight champion, however you know Johnny Nelson you may see him differently after this enthralling interview. Johnny, who lost 10 of 13 amateur fights and had a disastrous beginning to life in the pros, started to learn after being publicly shamed in two world title fights and then going on the road, in Europe as a sparring partner and around the world as a journeyman heavyweight when there were no opportunities left at cruiserweight. Yet he wound up with a record number of world title defences and did so with the enigmatic trainer Brendan Ingle in his corner. Here, in an emotional, engaging and – at times – funny interview, he recalls his story and he cannot disguise his emotions as the first anniversary of Brendan's death approached.