Azumah Nelson’s efforts catapulted him to global stage – Rawlings
Former Ghana President Jerry John Rawlings has hailed the work ethics of Africa’s greatest boxer Professor Azumah Nelson.
The iconic boxing figure is expected to add another honour to his countless accolades by the world’s premier boxing sanctioning body – The World Boxing Council (WBC) when he turns 60 next week.
The big milestone which falls on July 19, will officially be celebrated with a special edition of Azumah Nelson’s fight night at Ghana’s main boxing promotional address, the Bukom Arena on July 21.
The WBC, who has already bestowed the Best Super Featherweight of All Time honour on both Azumah and Nicaraguan, Alexis Arguello, is expected to send a team to Accra to present the
accolade, a release from the legend’s promotional has revealed.
Former Ghanaian leader Jerry John Rawlings, who is a father-figure to the boxer, has heaped praise on the legendary sporting figure.
“I will say that the effort to become the great Azumah, 80% of it or more was due to his own effort.” Rawlings told boxingghana.com
The three-time world boxing champion assumed legendary status in his homeland Ghana and globally when he dominated the super featherweight division as a champion for 10 years.
He was subsequently inducted as the first African pugilist into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the year 2004.
Azumah Nelson, a respected statesman in his native Ghana, also established the Azumah Nelson Foundation to help the young to realize their potential through education and sport.
The turning point in Azumah’s career occurred in June 1982, when he was handed an opportunity to fight Salvadore Sanchez for the WBC featherweight title.
It was a tough bout and the young Ghanaian boxer at the time lost in the 15th round. But his spirited performance against the better established Mexican-born world champion impressed the decision makers of the sport a great deal such that he was granted other opportunities.
Two years after the Sanchez episode, Azumah Nelson rose to the occasion and defeated Wilfredo Gomez to win the WBC featherweight title in what was famously referred as the ‘Azumah versus Gomez.’
At 59, the legendary Azumah Nelson has ventured into promotions and social work in addition to his private business interests.
Azumah, nicknamed the Professor, also received the WBC Champion Award at the sanctioning body’s 55th Convention in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The 60th milestone edition of the Azumah Nelson Fight Night code named ‘The Battle’ will be a five-fight bill.
Hard-hitting WBA International Super featherweight Champion Wahab Oluwaseun, a.k.a Seunzy will take on Togolese Mouibi Sarouna (Togo Warrior), while Abraham “No Shaking” I Bonsu will slug it out with Patrick Ayi, The Aligator for the Ghanaian Super Featherweight Championship.
Benjamin Lamptey (Daddy Lumba) and Sherif Quaye (One Time) will clash for Ghanaian Lightweight Championship with Michael ‘One Bullet’ Ansah fighting Isaac Dowuana the Zongo Fire in the Final eliminator for the Ghanaian Super featherweight title.
Finally, Emmanuel ‘Kwahu Tyson’ Danso will battle Stephen Abbey a.k.a Anero in the Super Middleweight contest.
It must be reiterated that the Azumah Nelson Fight Night is supported by GeoDrill Ghana, Ashfoam and GOIL.