Johnny Nelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Johnny NelsonMBE |
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Nelson in 2017
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Ivanson Ranny Nelson |
| Nickname(s) | The Entertainer |
| Rated at |
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| Height | 6 ft 2+1/2 in |
| Reach | 81 in |
| Nationality | British |
| Born | 4 January 1967 Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 59 |
| Wins | 45 |
| Wins by KO | 29 |
| Losses | 12 |
| Draws | 2 |
Johnny Nelson (born Ivanson Ranny Nelson on January 4, 1967) is a famous British former professional boxer. He competed in boxing from 1986 to 2005. Johnny Nelson was the World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight champion from 1999 to 2006. He holds the record for being the longest-reigning cruiserweight world champion ever! He successfully defended his title against thirteen different challengers, which is more than any other cruiserweight boxer in history. He also shares the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the cruiserweight division. What's even more amazing is that he never actually lost his world title in the boxing ring. Before becoming a world champion, he also won the British cruiserweight title twice and the European cruiserweight title twice.
Johnny Nelson's Boxing Journey
Johnny Nelson started his boxing training at the Wincobank gym in Sheffield, England. His coach was Brendan Ingle, who also trained other famous boxers like Naseem Hamed and Kell Brook. When Nelson was an amateur boxer (meaning he wasn't paid to fight), he actually lost ten out of his first thirteen fights. But he didn't give up!
Nelson was supposed to have his 15th title defense against Enzo Maccarinelli in March 2006. This big fight was planned to happen before another huge boxing match between Joe Calzaghe and Jeff Lacy. However, Johnny Nelson hurt his knee while practicing, and the fight had to be canceled. A few months later, in September 2006, he decided to retire from professional boxing.
Life After Boxing: What Johnny Does Now
After retiring from boxing, Johnny Nelson became a boxing expert for Sky Sports, a big sports TV channel. He shares his knowledge and opinions about boxing matches.
He has also spent time working with the prison service. He helps people in prison learn important life skills, which is a great way to give back to the community. Johnny also does charity work, like agreeing to fight in a special charity boxing match to raise money.
In 2023, Johnny Nelson received a special award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was given to him for his amazing contributions to boxing and for helping young people in South Yorkshire, England.
You can also see and hear Johnny Nelson in the 2024 video game Undisputed, where he appears as a cruiserweight boxer and provides commentary. His voice was also featured in a 2024 documentary called Four Kings.
Johnny Nelson's Family Life
Johnny Nelson's mother was from Cuba and Jamaica, and his father was from Dominica. When Johnny was a small child, his parents separated. He didn't meet his biological father again until he was in his thirties. In 2010, Johnny Nelson wrote a book about his life called Hard Road to Glory.
