Johnny Nelson

Johnny Nelson MBE, a Former WBO Cruiserweight Champion, is a retired British boxer known for his impressive sporting career. Working as a TV presenter and pundit has assisted Nelson in his work as a popular and high-profile sports speaker, where he shares his story of success to inspire audiences worldwide. With an undeniably impressive record of forty-five wins from fifty-nine matches, Nelson was named the second Greatest Cruiserweight of All Time by BoxRec. Most remembered for his seven-year reign as WBO Cruiserweight Champion, he is the longest-reigning cruiserweight of all time. In addition to his worldwide success, Johnny Nelson has also held the British Cruiserweight twice, between 1989 and 1997 and held the European Cruiserweight title on two occasions.

Originally beginning his amateur career in his local boxing club, Nelson started the sport as a hobby and a way of possibly earning some money. After losing ten of his thirteen amateur fights he set his sights on training hard, becoming skilled and turning professional. Again, making a weak start to his debut, Nelson lost his first three professional fights, but using the defeats as ammunition to succeed, he finally reigned victorious in his fourth professional encounter. Little did Johnny Nelson know that his drive and determination would lead to such a lucrative career.

After successfully defending his world title an incredible thirteen times, Nelson retired from Boxing in 2006. Since leaving professional fighting, Nelson has worked as a knowledgeable pundit on Sky Sports and a specialist speaker for several high-profile sporting events. Additionally, he has worked with many charities using boxing as a means to tackle issues in the community, including homelessness and taken part in charity matches to raise vital funds. In recent years Johnny has continued his passion for fitness and encouraging people to get active no matter age or ability. In February 2020 he launched BoxPro an app offering free boxing training to help people struggling during lockdown. He has completed various challenges from training with paratroopers to marathon running.

Undefeated in his position as WBO Champion, Johnny Nelson MBE has a deep understanding of the inner strength and determination needed to defend such a title. In recognition of his remarkable career, Johnny was awarded an MBE in 2023 for his services to boxing and supporting young people in Yorkshire. His work as a boxing speaker not only discusses the highs and lows of his career but also touches on the importance of confidence and self-development in the achievement of one’s goals. A humble yet experienced keynote speaker, Nelson has all the qualities to make any event a great success. He also has a passion for diversity and inclusion, and talks openly about his experience of racism at events. Such honest conversations leave a resounding impact on guests, as Nelson opens their eyes to their role in a racist system.