In an interview, Ghana’s most celebrated boxer and hall of famer, self styled ‘ Professor’, Azumah Nelson has categorically stated his ambition and willingness to establish in Ghana a boxing academy this year 2022.
“I will embark on a talent-hunt across the country, recruit adolescents as young as nine and 10 years of age, camp them at a specific place, educate them, feed them and teach them the sport,” Azumah said in an interview.
The two-weight world champion, having held the WBC featherweight title from 1984 to 1987 and the WBC super-featherweight title twice between 1988 and 1997 confirmed the publication and shared the motivation behind this novelty.
“Sometime ago, I started an initiative like this with former Commonwealth champion, Kofi Jantuah, but after turning him into a Commonwealth champion, he was induced with money and he slipped away from my fingers,” The now 63-year-old buzzsaw from Ghana recounted.
The “Professor” being the 32nd greatest fighter of the last 45 years
, Azumah recalled, how his former protege, (Welterweight, Light welterweight) Benjamin Tackie better known as ‘Wonder Tackie’ refused his counsel and his career now at a nosedive.
“After Wonder Tackie was told by this American manager to distance himself from me, he became a punching bag for undercard fighters and boxers who wanted to prop up their careers with upcoming fighters.
“Now he has been beaten so much so that he could hardly see,” He humorously noted.
For many, such an initiative from the celebrated former boxer is long overdue and even though Azumah owns a promotional company, many connoisseurs are of the opinions that a boxing academy is the best legacy.