Johnny Nelson retained his WBO cruiserweight title in Sheffield last night but he was made to battle all the way by durable Argentinian Marcelo Dominguez.
Nelson looked cautious in the opening round of the fight as Dominguez surged forward throwing wild hooks. It was obvious that Nelson had the superior boxing skills and speed to get at his opponent but Dominguez, like most South American fighters, was a tough nut to crack. Sheffield fighter Nelson, 34, produced some precise, eye-catching punches in the third round while Dominguez was intent on pushing forward, having the odd success.
But Nelson went back into his shell despite the vocal support of local fight fans who packed out the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Trainer Brendan Ingle was becoming increasingly frustrated as Nelson backed off. Dominguez was deducted a point in the sixth round for a low blow and Nelson began to take charge. Dominguez started to tire in the latter stages of the fight, although he was still a threat with a right hook, as Nelson really turned it on in the last two rounds, hurting his opponent on several occasions.
Nelson looked relieved at the final bell but the judges had him a clear winner on points. He can now look ahead to the possibility of a money-spinning world title unification bout.
Filed by Pat Nugent
