Boxing: Plot to Kidnap Champ

World boxing champion Johnny Nelson has been under police guard after detectives uncovered a plot to kidnap him, police confirmed on Thursday.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Hardy, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "I can confirm that information has been received about a possible kidnap plan on Mr Nelson and that over a period of several months we have taken steps to ensure Mr Nelson's safety and of his family.

"A police investigation into this information is on-going."

Sheffield-based WBO cruiserweight champion Nelson, 36, is understood to live in north Derbyshire, south of the city.

Nelson admitted he laughed out loud when police first told him about the possible plot but then realised they were serious.