Johnny Nelson MBE

Johnny Nelson is a former WBO World Champion boxer, Sky Sports boxing pundit and motivational speaker who speaks about mindset, resilience, as well as race and diversity.

He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to boxing and for his support of young people in Yorkshire.

Johnny held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight title for seven years from 1999 to 2006 which remains the longest reign of all time. He won 45 of his 59 fights, 29 of them being from a knock-out.

Johnny is an engaging speaker who shares honest and insightful accounts of his life in the world of boxing but also about the power of mindset, self-belief, overcoming challenges and motivation.

Talking passionately about diversity and inclusion, Johnny believes uncomfortable conversations need to be had about race and history to make positive changes in society.

To book former professional boxer, pundit and motivational speaker Johnny Nelson MBE for your next event contact Great British Speakers today

Type Of Talent

After DinnerBlack History MonthEquality, Diversity & InclusionEquality, Diversity & InclusionEvent HostsHealth & WellbeingImposter SyndromeMental HealthMotivationalResilienceSpeakerSportTalent

More About Johnny Nelson MBE

Johnny Nelson | Depression and Self-Doubt

Johnny Nelson has spoken publicly about how a world title fight had a major impact on his mental health and shared how he learned to share his vulnerabilities.

Following the fight, Johnny was on the receiving end of harsh criticism which triggered deep depression and self-doubt. Recognising that Johnny was struggling to live in Sheffield surrounded by so much negativity and criticism, his trainer Brian Ingle sent him to Germany for a testing training camp.

This was tough mentally and physically but it had a significant impact on Johnny’s life inside and outside of the ring. The fight that triggered his depression and the subsequent trip to Germany proved to be a massive turning point in the life and career of Johnny Nelson.

He came back a changed man with a new mindset and he went on to achieve phenomenal success, defending his World Champion 13 times.

With his own lived experiences of depression and mental health challenges, Johnny urges others to speak openly about their mental health issues.

The Johnny Nelson Foundation

The Johnny Nelson Foundation was created to raise money for charities that support young people and deprived families in Yorkshire and the surrounding area. The foundation aims to improve mental health, health and fitness, social engagement and encourage people to make healthy life choices.

Johnny has shared openly that he believes that if it wasn’t for boxing he would be in prison today and this is something he doesn’t forget when it comes to giving back to his community.

Johnny is also an ambassador for Sheffield Hospitals Charity and an active ambassador for Prostrate Cancer, as well as an Ambassador for Sheffield MIND charity.

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Johnny Nelson BoxPro App

During the pandemic when gyms were closed, Johnny Nelson launched BoxPro, offering a mix of free and subscription boxing workouts and techniques for different levels of fitness. The aim was to ensure all ages and backgrounds had access to fitness at home. The service is now in its fourth year and it won Best Fitness App at the National Fitness Awards.

Johnny Nelson Book – Hard Road to Glory

In 2010 Johnny published his autobiography Hard Road to Glory, telling the story of his early failures and his determination to no let them stop him, how he went into exile, taking fights all over the world to grow as a boxer. It tells how, after nine years being booed out of the ring, he earned the respect of everyone.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book former world boxing champion, Sky Sports pundit and diversity and inclusion, mindset speaker Johnny Nelson MBE for your next event.

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Testimonials

“Having recently worked with Johnny Nelson for the Fury v Whyte Fight, I can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism and enthusiasm.

To have someone of Johnny’s renown be so dedicated to achieving the very best outcome at our event was amazing. He was always available for a conversation and his experience proved as the perfect counsel for any ideas we had.

Needless to say our guests loved every minute of Johnny’s Q&A’s and were thrilled that he took so much time to speak with them and provide that depth of experience for which our packages are so well known.”