Your Experience with Johnny Nelson
Your Experience provides unique insights into individuals who have an impact on sports, business and the arts. This month, ahead of the All-British heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua V Daniel Dubious, we had the privilege of catching up with former undefeated WBO Champion Johnny Nelson MBE.
Here's our latest issue of Your Experience
Johhny Nelson MBE
Former undefeated WBO World Champion boxer and now established boxing pundit.
The longest-reigning cruiserweight champion of all time.
As someone who's had an illustrious career in boxing, what does fighting at a venue like Wembley Stadium mean for a boxer?
Wembley Stadium is iconic not just here in the UK but globally, so it's quite a moment to not only get the chance to fight here, but to be one of few who can sell it out. AJ joins some big names to return to Wembley and for fans it's brilliant to have such a huge heavyweight show on home turf. I'm sure you can easily list some of the names who have boxed here, but I'd say it's as impressive for a fighter today as it was for the likes of Froch etc. years ago.
How do you think fighting at Wembley affects the mindset of fighters like Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois?
Both fighters will be in the zone - not just because it's Wembley, but because it's a big fight for them both. A fight they've both had tough camps for to ensure they're thoroughly prepared. Wembley, the fans, will be the icing on top to bring out the best in them both. But they'll both have been putting everything into their camps as they're both extremely professional.
In your opinion, what does this fight mean for the world of boxing?
I think it's great to see another big heavyweight fight back on UK soil - mainly for the fans. I've been impressed by what's been created in Saudi and know it's a big part of their plans out there to encourage more fans to travel out there. But for now, it's good to have another big fight in the UK and a chance for fans to build that famous stadium atmosphere we've seen over recent years. It's an important fight for both fighters so means the same to them both.
What is it like working a show at Wembley Stadium?
I love the build-up, the atmosphere, and the production. They're always epic nights because it's not just the fighters who love a stadium show, it's all of us behind the scenes too. There's something special about Wembley - we've all grown up seeing it on TV, wanting to buy tickets to see football matches and concerts here, so to be working on nights like this one doesn't get lost on any of us!
What have been your non-favourite boxing nights at Wembley Stadium?
More recently? Probably seeing Coldplay. I've never seen them live before, and wouldn't say they were a band I streamed, but their show was incredible. They used every inch of the stadium and engaged every fan from the floor right up into the higher seating. A very memorable show, production and performances.
Are there any current projects or ventures you're working on that you’d like to share with us?
At the end of September, I'm launching a new nutrition app - part of an ongoing project. At 50 I set myself a 10 year fitness plan to ensure that I stay in shape in retirement, and that's led to me not only continuing my training, but looking at how I fuel myself. Over recent years I've learnt about the benefits of fasting, ketosis, and the affects different foods can have on your body. I want to pass on that advice/those learnings to others - and that's not by launching some expensive programme, or fad diet. It's through proper advice that makes it accessible to other men & women my age and younger/older. Life gets busy, and working on shows like this one at Wembley can be a long day - so keeping those energy levels high comes from exercise and eating right!
You've heard from Johnny Nelson about his firsthand Experience of epic Wembley events. Now, it's time for you to find out how you can experience not only this heavyweight clash but all events and more with a membership at Wembley Stadium.
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