Johnny Nelson: Interview "Finally I could prove Brendan's system worked"

We had the privilege of an exclusive interview with former WBO Cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson. He goes through his pride in fighting under Brendan Ingle, his path to the world championship and his enjoyment now working with Sky Sports. Thank you for your time Johnny and we echo your sentiments in applauding the great work of the NHS workers in the UK and the HSE here in Ireland.

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FN247:

What first got you into boxing and what was your first impression of Brendan Ingle, who has gone on to be one of the respected people in boxing history. It must fill you with pride to know you where such a big part of his story also?

JN:

I originally just went to the boxing club to make friends. My older brother already went and I followed him - although no-one knew we were related for the first year! 

I didn’t get Brendan at the start. My dad thought he was a bit of a conman, so when Brendan first asked me what I thought I told him. Said my dad thought that. Brendan in his Irish accent said ..’and what do you think Johnny’... and I said, I’d find out for myself. To which he responded ‘good answer’! 

It does fill me with pride that I was a product of the gym, of Brendan. But I’m also a bit embarrassed because the gym was responsible for a lot more history before and after me. Bigger names in our sport and illustrious careers and successes. I was a small fish in an already successful pond. And the gyms success continues to this day. I’ll always be proud to have played a small part in the history - but most proud of knowing Brendan.  FN247:

After 3 straight defeats to start your pro career and going 4-4 in first 8 fights - what drove you on to continue at that point and do you feel there is too much emphasise on an unbeaten record in today's boxing or do you feel its harder for prospects today to learn their trade with all the social media exposure?

JN:

I think it’s really challenging for boxers today. Don’t get me wrong, it’s brilliant that our sport is growing and gets so much more media, broadcast & social exposure now. But for young fighters coming through, that no doubt brings with it different pressures. To understand that you shouldn’t let a loss define you takes strength of mind to understand and move on from. A mindset that you’ll learn over time, not over night. It’s important that today’s fighters have a strong relationship with their trainer. And have a mentor. Their mentor can be anyone - someone at the gym, a friend, relative... but you need someone who has your back when things are going well & when you’re less successful. When I lost, I listened to Brendan. He warned me people would tell me I was no good. That ‘friends’ might not stick by me. And not to listen to them. I didn’t, and took Brendan’s advice. My losses didn’t define me, if you want something badly enough you’ll find a way.  FN247:

You started to build momentum in your career and won the British title against Ian Bulloch which lead to your first world title shot against Carlos De Leon in 1990. There was no shame in the result, a draw against a world class operator, but you became a bit of a road warrior after this, taking fights as far away as Thailand and Brazil. What are your memories of this time in your career and do you feel the experience set you up for the success you gained later on?

JN:

In hindsight it was the best thing that could happen to me - but obviously didn’t feel like it at the time. It felt like the worst thing back then. Being on the road on my own was incredibly lonely. A lot of people turned against me and I saw a lot of good & bad in our sport and in human nature. 

To be honest I’d say that time probably prepared me incredibly well for what is happening in the world now. I know a lot of people are struggling with self isolation and having to stay at home. Being on your own with only your own thoughts can be challenging. But it gave me time to think. Think about what I was doing. Realise the difference between nerves and fear. Something that made a massive difference for me in the years that followed. 

FN247:

In 1999, you achieved what so many have failed to do so, and became world champion. You beat very dangerous Carl Thompson in a dominant display. Carl carried a lot of bitterness about the stoppage for many years after - how close was a rematch to being made? And how did it feel to be champion of the world after all the ups and downs you had in your career?

JN:

It felt like an angel had lifted a weight off my shoulders. Years of hard work, lessons and challenges. But a belief from Brendan and eventually in myself that nothing is impossible and with determination and discipline, success was achievable. It probably wasn’t a big deal to a lot of people but to me, becoming champion meant the world. I knew I had embarrassed the gym in 1990, a gym that stood by me. Finally I could prove that Brendan’s system worked. 

As for a rematch, I don’t really know. But Carl is a real gentleman. A warrior. And I can’t believe it’s 21 years ago last month!  FN247:

You went on to have one of the most dominant world title reigns by any British boxer in history, including a division record of 13 title defences. Do you feel your record gets the respect and recognition it deserves? And where there any opponents that you wish you had the chance to fight but didnt?

JN:

It wasn’t until I’d retired that someone actually talked me through the records & accolades. When you’re in it you’re not looking backwards. But I’m proud of what I achieved, know I still hold a record that is probably hard for anyone today to beat, and have a lot to be grateful for. It certainly didn’t come easy and that’s a great lesson not just for today’s fighters but people generally. Don’t give up. If you really want something you have to work for it. Graft and take the highs with the lows! 

At the time there were a few people I wanted to fight. People who held belts & titles, but when they were approached to fight me they didn’t want to know . I don’t know why, but a lot of people don’t realise that. 

FN247:

After retirement you have become a familiar face to new boxing fans as the main analyst on Sky Sports. You seem to be a natural TV presenter is this something that you see as your long term future or do you think you will ever go back to the Wincobank and join Dominic to continue on Brendans legacy?

JN:

I absolutely love my job at Sky. I work as part of a brilliant team who all work incredibly hard to deliver the shows and content. I’m really lucky to be around the sport I love every day. I’m sure there will be people who don’t agree with everything I say, but Brendan always used to say ‘speak what you see’ and that’s what I do.

No-one knows when the live shows will return, but that first fight back will be huge. I do miss it, but I’ve also been enjoying watching some brilliant archive fights and content. Old episodes of Ringside & Gloves Are Off. 

In terms of returning to the gym, one day I’d love to. If they’ll have me. I didn’t want to be a trainer when I first retired as I knew I couldn’t give it the time that Brendan did. I wouldn’t do the gym justice. But right now my focus is very much on Sky and working with the team to bring such brilliant boxing to as many people as possible. 

FN247:

Finally - who do you consider to be the next crop of prospects in the UK and Ireland who can go on and challenge for world honours?

JN:

There are so many prospects today. Some talented fighters at all different weights. But it’s down to the individuals to achieve world honours. How much they want it and what they’ll be willing to sacrifice along the way to achieve it. I can’t name one name as there are a number of contenders. But those who do succeed, will truly deserve it. 

Our sport is going from strength to strength and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to get back together and enjoy some live fights in the not too distant future. In the meantime though, I wish everyone safe and well. My thoughts go out to all those affected by COVID-19 and a HUGE thank you to the NHS and key workers. If everyone follows the government guidelines, to do our bit and stay home, we’ll hopefully all collectively pull together and help.