Skip to content

When Johnny Nelson met Phil 'The Power' Taylor for a game of darts

Phil Taylor and Johnny Nelson
Image: Phil Taylor and Johnny Nelson: bonded over a game of 501

The sports of darts and boxing have much in common.

Latest Darts Stories

PHIL: I was also at George Groves v Carl Froch. JOHNNY: Who was your money on? PHIL: I'm friends with Carl and my money was on him. I thought he was going to walk it, I'll be honest with you. I was so impressed with George, but I was disappointed with the reaction for Carl though because he did nothing wrong. He did his job and the referee acted. JOHNNY: The crowd weren't fair on him were they? PHIL: Not one bit and I think in the rematch Carl is going to be a different fighter - and I think George will be as well. JOHNNY: Who's your all-time favourite? We all have one for different reasons... PHIL: Besides you? My era was Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler... and then I loved Ricky. I loved watching Ricky and I was always excited watching him. I loved Joe, but also Steve Collins and Chris Eubank. I've got a real big soft spot for Nigel Benn, too. I haven't got one favourite really, I've got a lot. I just respect people that have done what they've done. You won a world title and you won a heavyweight title, didn't you? JOHNNY: Did you hear that? He said heavyweight... PHIL: Then you didn't defend it? JOHNNY: That's right. PHIL: I don't blame you! JOHNNY: Ha ha! PHIL: I respect anybody's who successful. You're the same because you work hard at what you do. Any motor racing drivers, squash players, anything... I admire winners. I love the mindset. I just read Novak Djokovic's book called 'Serve to Win' and it's not just about tennis, it's about his lifestyle. His diet is gluten-free and that fascinates me. Pete Sampras' book fascinated me. I love anything that goes into their mindset. I remember talking to you at the MEN Arena once and you said you don't eat one wrong thing and you don't drink anything that's bad for your body. When I talk to people I always think Johnny Nelson is a perfect sportsman. JOHNNY: I do like Skittles, though... JOHNNY: I've got to give you a little challenge. Now you've embarrassed me on the dart board, why don't you come down to the gym and we'll have a little dust-up? PHIL: I'd love to. In fact, we have a Premier League night in Sheffield so I'll call in while I'm round there. JOHNNY: Aren't you scared or intimidated? PHIL: Yeah... I haven't turned up yet! JOHNNY: You're one of them smart fighters, aren't you? Nice one mate. PHIL: Thanks Johnny. Good to speak to you again. You can see Johnny Nelson on Ringside every Thursday night on Sky Sports, followed by Phil Taylor on Premier League Darts.