Boxing: World champ Nelson has an eye on money-spinner

After six months of inactivity the World Boxing Union heavyweight championship of the world has a new owner and his name is Johnny Nelson, of Sheffield.

Last night Nelson, one of British boxing's true mavericks, won all 12 rounds against Russia's Alex Vasiliev in front of an often-bemused crowd here. The WBU title has not been contested since Hasim Rahman retained it when he knocked out Lennox Lewis in South Africa in April. Last week in Las Vegas Rahman reluctantly confirmed that he had given up the title.

Nelson was so dominant on all three scorecards that the announcement of the decision was unnecessary. Vasiliev had tried to push forward from the opening bell but for 12 rounds his punches missed an elusive target. There were moments when it looked likely that Nelson would stop the brave Russian, but referee Mickey Vann was reluctant to end the slaughter.

''It is my first fight at heavyweight for about five years and I knew I had to be careful at all times,'' said Nelson, who did once hold the World Boxing Federation heavyweight title, between 1993 and 1995.

In the grand scheme of heavyweight boxing Nelson's victory last night is unlikely to concern either Lewis or Mike Tyson. However, on a surprisingly mild night at York Hall in front of a good-natured capacity crowd Nelson produced a faultless performance to beat a durable and respectable opponent in an entertaining encounter.

Nelson now has to decide whether at 34 he will continue as a heavyweight or drop back down to cruiserweight and continue defending his World Boxing Organisation title. Last night's performance proved once again just how difficult it is for slower heavyweights to beat him.

If Nelson decides to continue fighting at heavyweight there are several suitable opponents in Britain who could challenge him, fights that would surely be both popular with the crowd and respectable match-ups.

''I will take a few days off and then make a decision because there is a lot of money in the heavyweight division and I plan on making some of it,'' said Nelson.