WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson says a fight with WBU champion Enzo Maccarinelli may not be made. The 37-year-old Sheffield boxer has confirmed his intention to retire in December and is scheduled to fight Rudiger May in Germany in September.
"Unless we fight before Christmas, and that won't happen, I won't be around," Nelson told the South Wales Argus.
"If we were to meet right now somebody would be making a mistake, it's too early (for Maccarinelli)."
Nelson was speaking after Maccarinelli, 23, made the fourth defence of his WBU belt in Newport on Saturday.
 |  (Maccarinelli) will dominate this division for a long time |
The Swansea bruiser was a clear points winner, but he was taken 12 rounds for the first time in his career by the durable, defensively minded Ismail Abdoul. Maccarinelli has long targeted Nelson, whom he regards as the best cruiserweight in the world, and the WBO champion has also been keen to praise the young Welshman.
"From a totally selfish point of view, put us together now before he knows how to use the tools he's got," said Nelson.
"But for Enzo and for boxing, keep us away from each other.
"Let him grow, let him mature, let him get better because when he does and starts meeting the big guys, he will dominate this division for a long time."
MMIX
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