13.07.04 – WBO World Cruiserweight Champion JOHNNY NELSON will return to Germany to make the thirteenth defence of his title against Rüdiger May on September 4. Nelson, from Sheffield, defeated German Alexander Petkovic in Bayreuth last November with a commanding performance over the number one challenger to retain his title.
This time he takes on May, the mandatory challenger from Köln, who comes in with a record of 39 wins, 2 losses, 3 draws 9 knockouts and has held the German and European Community Cruiserweight Titles. In his last fight in June, May was held to a draw when he challenged Italian Vincenzo Cantatore for the European Title.
Nelson, who has reigned the division for over five years, said, “I have known May since I was 20-years-old through sparring with him and he’s always been that one step behind me on the cruiserweight scene,
“Actually, we are good friends, my family and his family have met each other on numerous occasions here and in Germany but we both know it is a serious business at the end of the day and it will be each man for his own on the night,
“When we’ve sparred it’s been very competitive and he’s got an excellent jab and good all-round boxing skill, he’s very focused and trains hard. This is his first attempt at a world title after operating at a high level in Europe
and I expect him to go all out to win the title,
I know I’ve got to be on the ball and box to the best of my ability but I am confident of beating him.”
Promoter Frank Warren said, “This will be a tough fight for Johnny but he is a model professional and expect him to keep hold of his title. Going to Germany would normally be a daunting prospect for any fighter but Johnny has travelled around the world fighting opponents in their backyards so he will not be bothered by it. Providing Johnny comes through on September 4, the fight I want to make is between him and the young Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli which I want to put on in December.”