Azumah Nelson

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Azumah Nelson (born 19 July 1958, affectionately known as the Professor)[1] is a Ghanaian former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 2008. He was a two-weight world champion, having held the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title from 1984 to 1987 and the WBC super-featherweight title twice between 1988 and 1997. He also challenged once for the unified WBC and International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight titles in 1990. At regional level, he held the ABU, and Commonwealth featherweight titles between 1980 and 1982. Widely considered one of the greatest African boxers of all time,[2][3] he is currently ranked as the 69th greatest pound for pound boxer of all time by BoxRec.[4]

Career

Nelson competed at the 1978 All-Africa Games and 1978 Commonwealth Games,[5] winning gold medals in featherweight at both events. He was awarded Amateur Boxer of the year by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) that same year.[6]

However, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana.[7] Because of this, he was a decisive underdog when, on short notice, he challenged WBC featherweight champion Salvador Sánchez on 21 July 1982 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.[7] Nelson lost the fight by 15th-round technical knockout.

Featherweight champion

Nelson won all four of his fights in 1983, and he began 1984 by beating Hector Cortez by decision on 9 March in Las Vegas. Then, on 8 December of that year, he became boxing royalty by knocking out Wilfredo Gómez in round 11 to win the WBC featherweight championship.[8] Behind on the three judges' scorecards, Nelson rallied in that round to become champion in Puerto Rico.

Super-featherweight champion

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Nelson began 1988 by defeating Mario Martinez by a split decision over 12 rounds in Los Angeles to win the vacant WBC super-featherweight title. Nelson was dropped in the 10th round of their encounter, and the decision was not well received.[9]

On 1 December 1995, defeated world champion Gabriel Ruelas in the fifth round to claim the title.[10]

His first defense took place almost a year later, when he and Jesse James Leija had their third bout. Nelson retained the title with a sixth-round knockout. That was the only fight Nelson had in 1996, as had become his custom.[11]

In 1997, Nelson lost the Lineal & WBC titles to Genaro Hernandez when he beaten on points after twelve rounds.[12]

Legacy

The Azumah Nelson Sports Complex at Kaneshie in Accra was named after him.[13]

Biography

In 2014, a biography of Azumah Nelson was published. Written by Ashley Morrison, it was titled "The Professor - The Life Story of Azumah Nelson" (Template:ISBN) was published by Strategic Book Publishing.

Personal life

Nelson has six children.[14] Currently married to Priscilla Boakye Nelson.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

In July 2018, Azumah organized a fight night to celebrate his 60th birthday at the Bukom Boxing Arena. This event brought together fighters from highly-rated gyms in the country to fight contenders in their divisions. Some dignitaries, including formers sports ministers Nii Lante Vanderpuiye and Nii Amarkai Amarteifio, the British High Commissioner to Ghana Ian Walker, and Peter Zwennes, the president of the Ghana Boxing Authority, graced the occasion. In all, there were five bouts, three of which were won by knockout.[15]

Professional boxing record

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No Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
46 Loss 38–6–2 Jeff Fenech MD 10 24 Jun 2008 Hisense Arena, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Loss 38–5–2 Jesse James Leija UD 12 11 Jul 1998 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Loss 38–4–2 Genaro Hernández SD 12 22 Mar 1997 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 38–3–2 Jesse James Leija TKO 6 (12), 1:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 1 Jun 1996 Boulder Station, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 37–3–2 Gabriel Ruelas TKO 5 (12), 1:12Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 1 Dec 1995 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Loss 36–3–2 Jesse James Leija UD 12 7 May 1994 MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Template:DrawDraw 36–2–2 Jesse James Leija SD 12 10 Sep 1993 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 36–2–1 Gabriel Ruelas MD 12 20 Feb 1993 Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, MexicoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 35–2–1 Calvin Grove UD 12 7 Nov 1992 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 34–2–1 Jeff Fenech TKO 8 (12), 2:20Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 1 Mar 1992 Princes Park Football Ground, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Template:DrawDraw 33–2–1 Jeff Fenech SD 12 28 Jun 1991 The Mirage, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight title;
WBC awarded Fenech retrospectively the title on 7 Nov 2022 after WBC's recountScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 33–2 Daniyal Mustapha Ennin KO 4 (10) 16 Mar 1991 Polideportivo Principal Felipe, Zaragoza, Aragón, SpainScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 32–2 Juan Laporte UD 12 13 Oct 1990 Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Loss 31–2 Pernell Whitaker UD 12 19 May 1990 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC and IBF lightweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 31–1 Jim McDonnell KO 12 (12), 1:40Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 5 Nov 1989 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 30–1 Mario Martínez TKO 12 (12), 1:18Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 25 Feb 1989 Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.SScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 29–1 Sidnei Dal Rovere KO 3 (12), 2:04Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 10 Dec 1988 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 28–1 Lupe Suarez TKO 9 (12), 0:27Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 25 Jun 1988 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 27–1 Mario Martínez SD 12 29 Feb 1988 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC super-featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 26–1 Marcos Villasana UD 12 29 Aug 1987 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 25–1 Mauro Gutierrez KO 6 (12), 0:33Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 7 Mar 1987 Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 24–1 Danilo Cabrera TKO 10 (12), 2:31Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 22 Jun 1986 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto RicoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 23–1 Marcos Villasana MD 12 25 Feb 1986 Inglewood Forum, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 22–1 Pat Cowdell KO 1 (12), 2:24Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 12 Oct 1985 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 21–1 Juvenal Ordenes TKO 5 (12), 2:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 6 Sep 1985 Tamiami Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 20–1 Wilfredo Gómez KO 11 (12), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 8 Dec 1984 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto RicoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBC featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 19–1 Hector Cortez UD 10 9 Mar 1984 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 18–1 Kabiru Akindele KO 9 (15) 25 Nov 1983 National Stadium, Lagos, NigeriaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained Commonwealth featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 17–1 Alberto Collazo TKO 2 (10), 1:40Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 23 Sep 1983 Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 16–1 Alvin Fowler TKO 2 (10), 0:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 17 Aug 1983 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 15–1 Ricky Wallace UD 10 12 Feb 1983 Public Auditorium, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 14–1 Irving Mitchell TKO 5 (10), 2:24Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 31 Oct 1982 Great Gorge Resort, McAfee, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Loss 13–1 Salvador Sánchez TKO 15 (15), 1:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 21 Jul 1982 Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC and The Ring featherweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Mukaila Bukare TKO 6 (10) 26 Jun 1982 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Charm Chiteule TKO 10 (15) 28 Feb 1982 Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka, ZambiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained Commonwealth featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Kabiru Akindele KO 6 (15) 4 Dec 1981 Siaka Stevens National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra LeoneScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained Commonwealth featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Brian Roberts TKO 5 (15) 26 Sep 1981 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant Commonwealth featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Miguel Ruiz TKO 4 (10) 18 Aug 1981 Stadium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Don George KO 5 (10), 0:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 2 May 1981 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Aziza Bossou PTS 8 6 Mar 1981 Lomé, TogoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Joe Skipper TKO 10 (12) 13 Dec 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won African featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 David Capo PTS 10 4 Oct 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Abdul Rahman Optoki TKO 8 (12) 2 Aug 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained Ghanaian featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Henry Saddler TKO 9 (12) 1 Mar 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won Ghanaian featherweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Nii Nuer TKO 3 (8) 2 Feb 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Billy Kwame PTS 10 1 Dec 1979 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, GhanaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

See also

References

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External links

Template:S-breakTemplate:S-break
Sporting positions

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBC featherweight champion
8 December 1984 – 27 January 1988
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Jeff Fenech

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Julio César Chávez 		WBC super-featherweight champion
29 February 1988 – 7 May 1994 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBC super-featherweight champion
1 December 1995 – 22 March 1997 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Awards

Template:S-before

The Ring Magazine Upset of the Year
KO8 Jeff Fenech
1992 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-after

Template:Footer All-Africa Champions Featherweight Template:Footer Commonwealth Champions Featherweight

Template:Authority control

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