Bulwell Fighter Nelson Aiming For Upset

Bulwell’s Craig Nelson, 2-1(1), is looking to fire up his pro boxing career this coming Saturday in Newark, when he opposes the more experienced, undefeated, Tom Pogson, 7-0-1(1) for the vacant, Midlands Area cruiserweight title.

A belt which has some history with Nottingham fighters, the Midlands title having initially been contested by Roy Smith, who’s fight career ran from 1985 to 1991, and posted 18-8(5); between ‘85 and ’91, Smith had two fights against Ian Bulloch, of which the first was held at the Victoria Leisure Centre, in May 1988.

That was one of two occasions the Midlands cruiserweight has been contested in Nottingham, the second of which was held at the Grove Leisure Centre, Newark, fourteen years later, when Scott Lansdowne defeated Tony Dowling, via TKO2, back in 2002.

Fast-forward to 2011 and 2013, and the last two occasions the Midlands strap was contested, it saw the involvement of another Bulwell fighter, Shane McPhilbin, 8-9(5) who won it against Rhys Davies in the former of those years, via a TKO3.

A prizefighter contestant back in 2010, McPhilbin won the British title in 2012, having wars with Leon Williams, Enzo Maccarinelli, and Jon-Lewis Dickinson, before stepping up to heavyweight at the back-end of his career.

Craig though, and rightly so, is not looking beyond his upcoming clash with Pogson, although he’d love to bring another world title back to Nottingham, despite his own lateness to the pro ranks.

“I only started boxing a few years ago,” admitted Nelson.

“Initially I had a UWCB charity bout, and that’s all it was meant to be, but I caught the bug.

“From there I had a brief spell in the amateurs, winning ten (of 13 contests), but it was difficult to get me matched up.

“My coach, Kevin Sheehan, approached Scott Calow about turning professional, and now I’m thinking, why can’t I go all the way.”

First-and-foremost though is the challenge of Boston’s Tom Pogson, for that Midlands Area strap, at the Newark Showground.

Pogson won his first six outings, which included a TKO2 of Joel Ducille, in Grantham, in June 2024; he was then in a 95-95 draw with Sherif Musah in his last visit to Newark, last November, before defeating Ryan Labourn on points in mid-September.

Meanwhile Nelson only made his pro debut, at the Rushcliffe Arena, in March last year; in seeing off his opponent, Leon Mitchell, via an RTD2 decision, it was a comfortable transition for him.

Since then, he’s beaten Jacob Lloyd on points, earlier this year, before being edged over six rounds against Kai Dawber, in Bolton, a little over eight weeks ago.

Unfazed though, Nelson is more than ready to go again, adding: “This is a huge step up for me, but I’m looking forward to it.

“The cruiserweight division is just as interesting as the heavyweights is, and I believe in myself and what I want to achieve.

“I’ve nothing but respect for my opponent, and I was always going to take this opportunity, for which I’m locked in and focussed.

“I’ve had a great, seven-week fight camp, and now it’s time to finish this year with a good win, whilst building my fan-base up along the way.”

In headlining at the Pavillion come fight night, the show, promoted by Carl Greaves Promotions, also sees Dublin’s undefeated Paddy Walsh, 7-0(1) face Kasey Bradnum over six rounds, whilst Nottingham’s Jade Grierson, 5-1-1(2) is also in action, in a six-rounder against a debutant, Toran Kelly.

For Nelson though, it’s a time to shine, and take that Midlands Area stepping stone in his grasp.

“Fans can expect a good, exciting to watch fighter,” explained Nelson.

“I’m definitely not boring, and I’m looking forward to facing a tough, experienced opponent.”

Minimal tickets are still available for the event, and you can get (unreserved seating) standard £45, or U16s £25 direct from Craig Nelson for the show, ‘The Road to Glory,’ taking place at the Lady Pavillion Centre, Newark Showground, Newark, on Saturday 22 November – doors 17:30, first bell 18:30.