Nelson cruises to heavyweight win

Nelson ground down Vasiliev's resistance

Johnny Nelson made a successful return to the heavyweight division with a points victory over Alexander Vasiliev to earn himself the vacant WBU title.

The Sheffield boxer last fought as a heavyweight in 1995 but stepped up a division after his scheduled WBO cruiserweight title defence was called off when opponent Napoleon Tagoe failed a medical.

Nelson was giving away a stone in weight to his 27-year-old Russian opponent but made the most of his superior reach.

The Briton was happy to feel his way into the fight slowly but produced some classy combination punches in the fifth round at Bethnal Green's York Hall.

The 34-year-old reverted to a jab-and-move tactic in the next round and set about finishing the brave but limited Russian off.

Nelson dominated the eighth round and then seemed content to coast to a points victory.

In the end, he recorded a 118-110, 119-109, 120-107 decision.

Light-middleweight prospect Gary Lockett maintained his unbeaten record by beating Chris Nembhard in the undercard bout.

The exciting Welshman, who is now undefeated in 15 fights, won after the referee stopped the fight in the second round.