Nelson fails to shine

Nelson's negative tactics were jeered by the crowd

Britain's Johnny Nelson retained his WBO cruiserweight title with an eighth-round knockout of Ezra Sellars in Copenhagen on Saturday.

Nelson was behind on points when he spotted Sellars backing off and landed a right-hand which floored the American.

With his right eye almost closed, Sellars failed to make the count, handing a surprised Nelson victory.

I always believed I would stop him, even when he put me down

Johnny Nelson

After the fight, the Sheffield fighter defended his negative approach and said his corner had told him to stick to his gameplan as Sellars was vulnerable to a single punch.

Nelson said: "They said I'd get him with one shot. It was a rough ride to get to there but one shot did it.

"I always believed I would stop him, even when he put me down.

"It was awkward because he was a southpaw and was stronger than expected.

"He is a fast counter puncher and heavy hitter and guys like that you do not give a chance to.

"I've got it out the way and it is done and dusted and I've dealt with a big hitter."

Negative tactics

A quiet first round came to a close amid jeers and whistles from the crowd as neither fighter managed to land a punch.

Nelson landed his first punch of the contest with a right hand four minutes into the fight but it took until midway through the third before Sellars registered his first blow.

Early in the fourth, the American floored the stooping Nelson for only the second time in his 16-year career with another big left-hand to the top of his head.

Nelson started to show more aggression in the fifth, but by the next round the fight had become untidy with numerous missed lunges.

With a minute to go in the seventh, Nelson walked into a Sellars right-hand and looked to be in trouble.

But he hung on until the bell and then came out to deliver the knockout blow.