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{{Short description|Ghanaian boxer (born 1958)}}
{{Infobox Boxer
{{BLP sources|date=January 2020}}
|image=Replace this image male.svg <!-- only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people - see ] --> |
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
|name= Azumah Nelson
{{Infobox boxer
|realname=Azumah Nelson
| name= Azumah Nelson
|nickname=The Professor<br />Zoom Zoom
| image =
|weight=]<br />]
| nickname = {{plainlist|
|nationality= {{flagicon|Ghana}}&nbsp;]ian
*The Professor
|birth_date= {{Birth date and age|1958|9|19|mf=y}}
*Zoom Zoom
|birth_place=], ]
*The Terrible Warrior<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/19tn/sports/boxing-a-fight-for-recognition-and-2-titles.html|title=BOXING; A Fight for Recognition and 2 Titles|date=19 May 1990|work=]|access-date=8 December 2014}}</ref>
|death_date|=
}}
|death_place|=
| weight = {{plainlist|
|style=Orthodox
*]
|total=47
*]
|wins=39
*]
|losses=6
}}
|draws=2
| height = 5 ft 5 in<ref name=stats>'']'' tale of the tape prior to the third ] fight.</ref>
|no contests=0
| reach = 68 in<ref name=stats />
|KO=28
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1958|7|19|df=y}}
|}}
| birth_place = ], Ghana
'''Azumah Nelson''' (born ], ]) is a former boxer and three-time world champion. A native of ].
| style = ]
| total = 47
| wins = 39
| KO = 28
| losses = 6
| draws = 2
| medaltemplates =
{{Medal|Sport | Men's ]}}
{{Medal|Country | {{GHA}} }}
{{Medal|Competition|]}}
{{Medal|Gold| ] | ]}}
{{Medal|Competition|]}}
{{Medal|Gold| ] | ]}}
}}


'''Azumah Nelson''' (born 19 July 1958, affectionately known as '''the Professor''')<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-25 |title=Comfort Atwei Quarcoo: The womb that birthed the legend Azumah Nelson |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Comfort-Atwei-Quarcoo-The-womb-that-birthed-the-legend-Azumah-Nelson-1701188 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref> is a ]ian former ] who competed from 1979 to 2008. He was a two-weight world champion, having held the ] ] title from 1984 to 1987 and the WBC ] title twice between 1988 and 1997. He also challenged once for the ] WBC and ] ] titles in 1990. At regional level, he held the ], and ] featherweight titles between 1980 and 1982. Widely considered one of the greatest African boxers of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/07/sport/azumah-nelson-boxing-ghana/|title=Is Azumah Nelson Africa's greatest boxer?|publisher=CNN|author=Errol Barnett|date=11 August 2012|access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/11/sports/boxing-best-boxer-nobody-knows-after-19-years-career-ghanaian-legend-nears-end.html|title=Story: BOXING: The Best Boxer Nobody Knows; After 19 Years, the Career of a Ghanaian Legend Nears an End|newspaper=]|author=Timothy W. Smith|date=11 July 1998|access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> he is currently ranked as the 69th greatest ] boxer of all time by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Bcountry%5D=&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bstance%5D=&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r_go=|title=BoxRec: Ratings|website=Boxrec.com|access-date=12 February 2019}}</ref>
Nelson also has endured personal loss: His wife of many years died during the 1990s of ].


==Professional career== == Career ==
Nelson competed at the ] and ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Boxing 57kg - Men Edmonton 1978 {{!}} Commonwealth Games Federation |url=https://thecgf.com/results/games/3039/event/1479 |website=thecgf.com |access-date=20 January 2020 |language=en |archive-date=25 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825113256/https://thecgf.com/results/games/3039/event/1479 |url-status=dead }}</ref> winning gold medals in ] at both events. He was awarded Amateur Boxer of the year by the ] (SWAG) that same year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ike Quartey|url=https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/person.php?ID=198|access-date=2020-08-24|website=mobile.ghanaweb.com}}</ref>


However, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana.<ref name="Michael Katz">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/07/22/sports/sanchez-knocks-out-nelson-in-the-15th.html|title=SANCHEZ KNOCKS OUT NELSON IN THE 15TH|newspaper=]|author=Michael Katz|date=22 July 1982|access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> Because of this, he was a decisive ] when, on short notice, he challenged ] ] champion ] on 21 July 1982 at the ] in ].<ref name="Michael Katz"/> Nelson lost the fight by fifteenth-round technical knockout.
Nelson's professional boxing debut, in 1979, did not cause much furor, except in Ghana, where he was known because of his family ties. Internationally, Nelson lacked the recognition for such an event to be given its due importance. With the years, however, all of that changed because he garnered world wide fame as a boxer.


=== Featherweight champion ===
He beat ] in ] by a decision in eight to mark his professional debut. In his third fight, he fought on ] of 1980, he knocked out ] in the ninth round to win Ghana's regional 126 pound title. On ] of that year, he knocked out ] in round 10 to add the ]n continent's belt to his Ghanaian regional championship.
Nelson won all four of his fights in 1983, and he began 1984 by beating Hector Cortez by decision on 9 March in ]. Then, on 8 December of that year, he became boxing royalty by knocking out ] in round 11 to win the WBC featherweight championship.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/10/sports/nelson-takes-title.html|title=Nelson takes Title|newspaper=]|date=10 December 1984}}</ref> Behind on the three judges' scorecards, Nelson rallied in that round to become champion in ].


=== Super-featherweight ===
1981 was a productive year for the young fighter. He beat ] in his first fight abroad; held in ], and then he beat ] in his first ] fight, held in ]. He added the ]' Featherweight title{{Fact|date=September 2007}} with a five round ] of ].
{{Main|Azumah Nelson vs. Jeff Fenech|Azumah Nelson vs. Gabriel Ruelas|Azumah Nelson vs. Jesse James Leija|Azumah Nelson vs. Jesse James Leija II}}
Nelson began 1988 by defeating ] by a split decision over 12 rounds in ] to win the vacant WBC ] title. Nelson was dropped in the 10th round of their encounter and the decision was not well received.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-01-sp-263-story.html|title=Age and Zaragoza Catch Up With Zarate : Nelson Takes Unpopular Split Decision for Super-Featherweight Title|first1=EARL|last1=GUSTKEY|date=1 March 1988|access-date=20 July 2017|newspaper=]}}</ref>


On 1 December 1995, defeated world champion ] in the fifth round to claim the title.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-02-sp-9474-story.html|title=Ruelas Is KO'd by Nelson, Specter : Boxing: Champion loses his WBC title to 37-year-old challenger after "seeing" boxer who died after his previous fight.|newspaper=LA Times|author=Steve Springer|date=2 December 1995|access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref>
Despite all his early achievements and being undefeated in 13 fights, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana. Because of this, he was a decisive underdog when he challenged ] world Featherweight champion ] on ] of 1982 at the ] in ]. Despite losing that fight by a knockout in round 15, Nelson's stock as a boxer rose after that fight, and he established himself as a deserving leading contender in the eyes of many fans. Further, Nelson was put at a significant disadvantage when his custom mouthpiece was stolen and he had to make due with a makeshift one purchased from a store and cut to his mouth with a knife, leaving him in pain for the whole fight. Sanchez died almost two months after this fight, suffering a car accident in ]. Sanchez-Nelson was Salvador Sanchez's last fight.


His first defense took place almost a year later, when he and ] had their third bout. Nelson retained the title with a six-round knockout. That was the only fight Nelson had in 1996, as had become his custom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-02-sp-11180-story.html|title=Nelson Retains WBC Title With a Sixth-Round TKO|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Tim Kawakami|date=2 June 1996|access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref>
In his next fight, Nelson knocked out fringe contender ] in eight rounds.


In 1997, Nelson lost the ] & WBC titles to Genaro Hernandez when beaten on points in twelve rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/jrlight.htm|title=Azumah Nelson - Lineal Jr. Lightweight Champion|publisher=The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia}}</ref>
Nelson won all four of his fights in 1983, and he began 1984 by beating ] by decision on ] in ]. Then, on ] of that year, he became boxing royalty by knocking out ] in round 11 to win the WBC world Featherweight championship. Behind on the three judges' scorecards, Nelson rallied in that last round to become champion in ].


==Legacy==
Nelson held on to that title for three years. He could not fight for 9 months after the Gómez bout, but when he returned, he retained the title in ] with a fifth round knockout of ] in September 1985, and then in October of that year, he retained it again with a first round knockout of ] in ]. The Cowdell knockout in particular became a highlight film material: Cowdell was left frozen on the canvas by Nelson's knockout punch.
The ] at ] in ] was named after him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessghana.com/|title=Sporting facilities and events renamed|website=BusinessGhana|access-date=2019-09-16}}</ref>


== Biography ==
In 1986, he retained the title two times, beating future world champion ] and former ] challenger ] (once again, in Puerto Rico).
In 2014 the biography of Azumah Nelson was published. Written by ] it was titled "The Professor - The Life Story of Azumah Nelson" ({{ISBN|978-1628571059}}) was published by Strategic Book Publishing.


==Personal life==
In 1987, Nelson retained the title against ], by a knockout in round six, and in a rematch with Villasana, once again, by decision. After the second fight with Villasana, Nelson abandoned the WBC's World Featherweight title.
Nelson has 6 children; David Nelson, Dorinda Nelson, Doris Nelson, Dylis Nelson, Dalvin Nelson, Deloris Nelson, the son, Dalvin Azumah Nelson Junior, whom Nelson is training as a boxer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/sports/2017/august-21st/azumah-nelson-backs-son-to-become-world-champion.php |title=Azumah Nelson backs son to become world champion |access-date=1 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220042/https://www.myjoyonline.com/sports/2017/august-21st/azumah-nelson-backs-son-to-become-world-champion.php |archive-date=24 November 2018 |url-status=dead |date=21 August 2017 }}</ref> His mother was known as Madam Comfort Atwei Quarcoo, his brother was Joseph Awudu Nelson and his sisters are Beatrice Abiana, Theresa Louisa, Lakia Felecia and Oboshie Susana.<ref name=":0" />
Currently married to Priscilla Boakye Nelson.


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 Nii Lante Vanderpuiye and ] who are two former sports ministers, Ian Walker the ] to Ghana 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Knockout-galore-as-Azumah-crowns-60th-anniversary-with-Azumah-Nelson-Fight-Night-670902|title=Knockout galore as Azumah crowns 60th anniversary with Azumah Nelson Fight Night|website=www.ghanaweb.com|date=22 July 2018|language=en|access-date=2019-09-16}}</ref>
Nelson began 1988 by fighting former ] rival ] for the vacant WBC's world Jr. Lightweight title. He beat Martinez by decision in 12 rounds on ] at ] to become world Jr. Lightweight champion, and then he defended the title with a knockout in round nine against former world champ ] and with a knockout in three over ].


==Professional boxing record==
He proceeded in 1989 by beating Martinez in a rematch, by knockout in round 12, and then fighting ], with exactly the same result. The fight with McDonnell, fought in ], was considered one of the fights of the year by many boxing magazines, and McDonnell was widely praised by critics for his stand against Nelson. McDonnell suffered four knockdowns before the fight was stopped by referee ].
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=2
|nc=
|ko-wins=27
|ko-losses=1
|dec-wins=10
|dec-losses=6
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center
|-
!No
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|- align=center
|46
|{{no2}}Loss
|38–6–2
|align=left| ]
|MD
|10
|24 Jun 2008
|align=left|{{small| Hisense Arena, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia}}
|
|- align=center
|45
|{{no2}}Loss
|38–5–2
|align=left| ]
|UD
|12
|11 Jul 1998
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|44
|{{no2}}Loss
|38–4–2
|align=left| ]
|SD
|12
|22 Mar 1997
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|43
|{{yes2}}Win
|38–3–2
|align=left| ]
|TKO
|6 (12), {{small|1:58}}
|1 Jun 1996
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–3–2
|align=left| ]
|TKO
|5 (12), {{small|1:12}}
|1 Dec 1995
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Won WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|41
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–3–2
|align=left| ]
|UD
|12
|]
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|40
|{{draw}}Draw
|36–2–2
|align=left| ]
|SD
|12
|]
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–2–1
|align=left| ]
|MD
|12
|]
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], Mexico}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–2–1
|align=left| ]
|UD
|12
|7 Nov 1992
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–2–1
|align=left| ]
|TKO
|8 (12), {{small|2:20}}
|1 Mar 1992
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], Australia}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|36
|{{draw}}Draw
|33–2–1
|align=left| ]
|SD
|12
|]
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title;<br/>WBC awarded Fenech retrospectively the title on 7 Nov 2022 after WBC's recount}}
|- align=center
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–2
|align=left| Daniyal Mustapha Ennin
|KO
|4 (10)
|16 Mar 1991
|align=left|{{small| Polideportivo Principal Felipe, ], ], Spain}}
|
|- align=center
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–2
|align=left| ]
|UD
|12
|13 Oct 1990
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], Australia}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|33
|{{no2}}Loss
|31–2
|align=left| ]
|UD
|12
|19 May 1990
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|For ] and ]}}
|- align=center
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–1
|align=left| ]
|KO
|12 (12), {{small|1:40}}
|5 Nov 1989
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], England}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–1
|align=left| ]
|TKO
|12 (12), {{small|1:18}}
|25 Feb 1989
|align=left|{{small| Hilton Hotel, ], ], U.S}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–1
|align=left| Sidnei Dal Rovere
|KO
|3 (12), {{small|2:04}}
|10 Dec 1988
|align=left|{{small| ], ], Ghana}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–1
|align=left| Lupe Suarez
|TKO
|9 (12), {{small|0:27}}
|25 Jun 1988
|align=left|{{small| ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC super-featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|28
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–1
|align=left| ]
|SD
|12
|29 Feb 1988
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Won vacant ]}}
|- align=center
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–1
|align=left| ]
|UD
|12
|29 Aug 1987
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|26
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–1
|align=left| Mauro Gutierrez
|KO
|6 (12), {{small|0:33}}
|7 Mar 1987
|align=left|{{small| Hilton Hotel, ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|25
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–1
|align=left| ]
|TKO
|10 (12), {{small|2:31}}
|22 Jun 1986
|align=left|{{small| ], ], Puerto Rico}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–1
|align=left| ]
|MD
|12
|25 Feb 1986
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–1
|align=left| ]
|KO
|1 (12), {{small|2:24}}
|12 Oct 1985
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], England}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–1
|align=left| Juvenal Ordenes
|TKO
|5 (12), {{small|2:45}}
|6 Sep 1985
|align=left|{{small| ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–1
|align=left| ]
|KO
|11 (12), {{small|2:58}}
|8 Dec 1984
|align=left|{{small| ], ], Puerto Rico}}
|align=left|{{small|Won WBC featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–1
|align=left| Hector Cortez
|UD
|10
|]
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–1
|align=left| Kabiru Akindele
|KO
|9 (15)
|25 Nov 1983
|align=left|{{small| ], ], Nigeria}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained Commonwealth featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–1
|align=left| Alberto Collazo
|TKO
|2 (10), {{small|1:40}}
|]
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–1
|align=left| Alvin Fowler
|TKO
|2 (10), {{small|0:41}}
|17 Aug 1983
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–1
|align=left| Ricky Wallace
|UD
|10
|12 Feb 1983
|align=left|{{small| ], ], U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–1
|align=left| Irving Mitchell
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|2:24}}
|31 Oct 1982
|align=left|{{small| Great Gorge Resort, ], ], U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|14
|{{no2}}Loss
|13–1
|align=left| ]
|TKO
|15 (15), {{small|1:49}}
|21 Jul 1982
|align=left|{{small| ], ], ], U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|For ] and ]}}
|- align=center
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|align=left| Mukaila Bukare
|TKO
|6 (10)
|26 Jun 1982
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana}}
|
|- align=center
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|align=left| Charm Chiteule
|TKO
|10 (15)
|28 Feb 1982
|align=left|{{small| Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka, Zambia}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained Commonwealth featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|align=left| Kabiru Akindele
|KO
|6 (15)
|4 Dec 1981
|align=left|{{small| ], ], Sierra Leone}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained Commonwealth featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–0
|align=left| Brian Roberts
|TKO
|5 (15)
|26 Sep 1981
|align=left|{{small| ], ], Ghana}}
|align=left|{{small|Won vacant ]}}
|- align=center
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–0
|align=left| Miguel Ruiz
|TKO
|4 (10)
|18 Aug 1981
|align=left|{{small| Stadium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.}}
|
|- align=center
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|align=left| Don George
|KO
|5 (10), {{small|0:54}}
|2 May 1981
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, ], Ghana}}
|
|- align=center
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|align=left| Aziza Bossou
|PTS
|8
|6 Mar 1981
|align=left|{{small| ], Togo}}
|
|- align=center
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|align=left| Joe Skipper
|TKO
|10 (12)
|13 Dec 1980
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, ], Ghana}}
|align=left|{{small|Won ]}}
|- align=center
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|align=left| David Capo
|PTS
|10
|4 Oct 1980
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, ], Ghana}}
|
|- align=center
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|align=left| Abdul Rahman Optoki
|TKO
|8 (12)
|2 Aug 1980
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, ], Ghana}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained Ghanaian featherweight title}}
|- align=center
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left| Henry Saddler
|TKO
|9 (12)
|1 Mar 1980
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, ], Ghana}}
|align=left|{{small|Won Ghanaian ] title}}
|- align=center
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left| Nii Nuer
|TKO
|3 (8)
|2 Feb 1980
|align=left|{{small| Kaneshie Sports Complex, ], Ghana}}
|
|- align=center
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left| Billy Kwame
|PTS
|10
|1 Dec 1979
|align=left|{{small| Accra Sports Stadium, ], Ghana}}
|
|}


==See also==
On ], ], Nelson tried to join the exclusive group of three division world champion boxers by challenging world Lightweight champion ], but he was handled his second career loss, when Whitaker won a 12 round unanimous decision to retain the title. For his next fight, he went to ] to meet the former world Featherweight champion, Puerto Rico's ]. He beat Laporte by a decision in 12 to retain the world Jr. Lightweight title.
*]
*]
*]
*]


==References==
In 1991, he had only two fights. In ], he beat ] by a knockout in round four of a non-title bout, and then, in Las Vegas, he retained the title with a controversial draw in twelve against multiple time world champion ] in 12 rounds. Many ringside observers and boxing writers felt Fenech had deserved to win that night, and an immediate rematch was signed and set for ] of 1992.
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
Back in Australia, Nelson defeated Fenech by a knockout in round eight of their sequel, and then he retained the title with a 12 round decision over former world champion ] on ].
* {{Boxrec|id=000440}}
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On ], ], the world travelling champion defeated future world champion ] by decision in 12 in front of 120,000 fans (most of whom had come to watch Julio César Chávez defend his world title against ] in the evening's main event) in ]. The 120,000 fan tournout is the largest turnout ever for a boxing event. Then, on ], he began his four fights series with future world champion ] by retaining the title with a draw as part of the Chávez-Whitaker fight's undercard in ]. Originally announced as a winner, Nelson found out minutes later when Leija was being interviewed that the correct outcome was a draw, giving Leija a rematch. The fight's announcer had accidentally mixed the scorecards and announced nelson the winner. Even though the decision was changed to draw, Nelson still kept his title.
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}}
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{{s-bef |before=]}}
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years= 8 December 1984 – 27 January 1988<br />Vacated}}
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years=29 February 1988 – 7 May 1994}}
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years=1 December 1995 – 22 March 1997}}
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{{s-ttl | title= ] ]<br> KO8 ]| years= 1992}}
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<br>
On ], ], he and Leija met for the second time: That time around, the announcer was right when he announced Leija was winner and new world Jr. Lightweight champ. That was Nelson's only bout in 1994.
{{Footer All-Africa Champions Featherweight}}
{{Footer Commonwealth Champions Featherweight}}


{{Authority control}}
Leija quickly lost the title to Ruelas, who defended against Nelson on ], ], and Nelson recovered the title in his rematch with Ruelas by knocking him out in round five.

His first defense took place almost a year later, when he and Leija had their third bout. Nelson retained the title with a six round knockout. As had become his common practice, that was the only time Nelson fought in 1996.

In 1997, Nelson lost his title to ] when beaten on points in twelve rounds. He was almost disqualified when he accidentally hit Hernandez in the throat after the bell to finish round seven and Hernandez lay on the floor for several minutes. However, Hernandez chose to continue, allowing Nelson to lose by the more honorable way of the judge's decision.

In 1998, he lost to Leija in their fourth and final bout for the widely unrecognized IBA Jr. Lightweight title, but Nelson figured out his best days in boxing were over, and he retired. He stayed in retirement until announcing a "return" fight (and third meeting) with former rival Jeff Fenech sixteen years after their rematch. Nelson, 49, and Fenech, 44, fought in Australia on June 24, 2008, with Jeff Fenech winning a majority decision in what was, according to most accounts, an uninspiring affair.


Nelson gained national hero status in Ghana. He is widely recognized by boxing fans and critics as the greatest fighter ever to come out of this coastal African nation. He was selected to the ] on ], ]. He was inducted on ].

Nelson had a record of 39 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws, with 28 knockout wins.

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==Amateur career==
Nelson had a stellar amateur career, compiling an Amateur Record of 50-2.

==See also==
* ]
* ]

==External links==
* {{boxrec|id=000440}}
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Latest revision as of 21:13, 11 December 2024

Ghanaian boxer (born 1958)
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Azumah Nelson
Born (1958-07-19) 19 July 1958 (age 66)
Accra, Ghana
Other names
  • The Professor
  • Zoom Zoom
  • The Terrible Warrior
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights47
Wins39
Wins by KO28
Losses6
Draws2
Medal record
Men's boxing
Representing  Ghana
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 1978 Edmonton Featherweight
All-Africa Games
Gold medal – first place 1978 Algiers Featherweight

Azumah Nelson (born 19 July 1958, affectionately known as the Professor) is a Ghanaian former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 2008. He was a 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. He also challenged once for the unified WBC and 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, he is currently ranked as the 69th greatest pound for pound boxer of all time by BoxRec.

Career

Nelson competed at the 1978 All-Africa Games and 1978 Commonwealth Games, 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.

However, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana. 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. Nelson lost the fight by fifteenth-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. Behind on the three judges' scorecards, Nelson rallied in that round to become champion in Puerto Rico.

Super-featherweight

Main articles: Azumah Nelson vs. Jeff Fenech, Azumah Nelson vs. Gabriel Ruelas, Azumah Nelson vs. Jesse James Leija, and Azumah Nelson vs. Jesse James Leija II

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.

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

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 six-round knockout. That was the only fight Nelson had in 1996, as had become his custom.

In 1997, Nelson lost the Lineal & WBC titles to Genaro Hernandez when beaten on points in twelve rounds.

Legacy

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

Biography

In 2014 the biography of Azumah Nelson was published. Written by Ashley Morrison it was titled "The Professor - The Life Story of Azumah Nelson" (ISBN 978-1628571059) was published by Strategic Book Publishing.

Personal life

Nelson has 6 children; David Nelson, Dorinda Nelson, Doris Nelson, Dylis Nelson, Dalvin Nelson, Deloris Nelson, the son, Dalvin Azumah Nelson Junior, whom Nelson is training as a boxer. His mother was known as Madam Comfort Atwei Quarcoo, his brother was Joseph Awudu Nelson and his sisters are Beatrice Abiana, Theresa Louisa, Lakia Felecia and Oboshie Susana. Currently married to Priscilla Boakye Nelson.

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 Nii Lante Vanderpuiye and Nii Amarkai Amarteifio who are two former sports ministers, Ian Walker the British High Commissioner to Ghana 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.

Professional boxing record

46 fights 37 wins 7 losses
By knockout 27 1
By decision 10 6
Draws 2
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, Australia
45 Loss 38–5–2 Jesse James Leija UD 12 11 Jul 1998 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
44 Loss 38–4–2 Genaro Hernández SD 12 22 Mar 1997 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. Lost WBC super-featherweight title
43 Win 38–3–2 Jesse James Leija TKO 6 (12), 1:58 1 Jun 1996 Boulder Station, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC super-featherweight title
42 Win 37–3–2 Gabriel Ruelas TKO 5 (12), 1:12 1 Dec 1995 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S. Won WBC super-featherweight title
41 Loss 36–3–2 Jesse James Leija UD 12 7 May 1994 MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBC super-featherweight title
40 Draw 36–2–2 Jesse James Leija SD 12 10 Sep 1993 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Retained WBC super-featherweight title
39 Win 36–2–1 Gabriel Ruelas MD 12 20 Feb 1993 Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained WBC super-featherweight title
38 Win 35–2–1 Calvin Grove UD 12 7 Nov 1992 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC super-featherweight title
37 Win 34–2–1 Jeff Fenech TKO 8 (12), 2:20 1 Mar 1992 Princes Park Football Ground, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Retained WBC super-featherweight title
36 Draw 33–2–1 Jeff Fenech SD 12 28 Jun 1991 The Mirage, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC super-featherweight title;
WBC awarded Fenech retrospectively the title on 7 Nov 2022 after WBC's recount
35 Win 33–2 Daniyal Mustapha Ennin KO 4 (10) 16 Mar 1991 Polideportivo Principal Felipe, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
34 Win 32–2 Juan Laporte UD 12 13 Oct 1990 Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Retained WBC super-featherweight title
33 Loss 31–2 Pernell Whitaker UD 12 19 May 1990 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. For WBC and IBF lightweight titles
32 Win 31–1 Jim McDonnell KO 12 (12), 1:40 5 Nov 1989 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England Retained WBC super-featherweight title
31 Win 30–1 Mario Martínez TKO 12 (12), 1:18 25 Feb 1989 Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S Retained WBC super-featherweight title
30 Win 29–1 Sidnei Dal Rovere KO 3 (12), 2:04 10 Dec 1988 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, Ghana Retained WBC super-featherweight title
29 Win 28–1 Lupe Suarez TKO 9 (12), 0:27 25 Jun 1988 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBC super-featherweight title
28 Win 27–1 Mario Martínez SD 12 29 Feb 1988 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC super-featherweight title
27 Win 26–1 Marcos Villasana UD 12 29 Aug 1987 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained WBC featherweight title
26 Win 25–1 Mauro Gutierrez KO 6 (12), 0:33 7 Mar 1987 Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC featherweight title
25 Win 24–1 Danilo Cabrera TKO 10 (12), 2:31 22 Jun 1986 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC featherweight title
24 Win 23–1 Marcos Villasana MD 12 25 Feb 1986 Inglewood Forum, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained WBC featherweight title
23 Win 22–1 Pat Cowdell KO 1 (12), 2:24 12 Oct 1985 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, England Retained WBC featherweight title
22 Win 21–1 Juvenal Ordenes TKO 5 (12), 2:45 6 Sep 1985 Tamiami Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. Retained WBC featherweight title
21 Win 20–1 Wilfredo Gómez KO 11 (12), 2:58 8 Dec 1984 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico Won WBC featherweight title
20 Win 19–1 Hector Cortez UD 10 9 Mar 1984 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
19 Win 18–1 Kabiru Akindele KO 9 (15) 25 Nov 1983 National Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria Retained Commonwealth featherweight title
18 Win 17–1 Alberto Collazo TKO 2 (10), 1:40 23 Sep 1983 Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio, U.S.
17 Win 16–1 Alvin Fowler TKO 2 (10), 0:41 17 Aug 1983 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
16 Win 15–1 Ricky Wallace UD 10 12 Feb 1983 Public Auditorium, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
15 Win 14–1 Irving Mitchell TKO 5 (10), 2:24 31 Oct 1982 Great Gorge Resort, McAfee, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Loss 13–1 Salvador Sánchez TKO 15 (15), 1:49 21 Jul 1982 Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, U.S. For WBC and The Ring featherweight titles
13 Win 13–0 Mukaila Bukare TKO 6 (10) 26 Jun 1982 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana
12 Win 12–0 Charm Chiteule TKO 10 (15) 28 Feb 1982 Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka, Zambia Retained Commonwealth featherweight title
11 Win 11–0 Kabiru Akindele KO 6 (15) 4 Dec 1981 Siaka Stevens National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone Retained Commonwealth featherweight title
10 Win 10–0 Brian Roberts TKO 5 (15) 26 Sep 1981 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, Ghana Won vacant Commonwealth featherweight title
9 Win 9–0 Miguel Ruiz TKO 4 (10) 18 Aug 1981 Stadium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Don George KO 5 (10), 0:54 2 May 1981 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana
7 Win 7–0 Aziza Bossou PTS 8 6 Mar 1981 Lomé, Togo
6 Win 6–0 Joe Skipper TKO 10 (12) 13 Dec 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana Won African featherweight title
5 Win 5–0 David Capo PTS 10 4 Oct 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana
4 Win 4–0 Abdul Rahman Optoki TKO 8 (12) 2 Aug 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana Retained Ghanaian featherweight title
3 Win 3–0 Henry Saddler TKO 9 (12) 1 Mar 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana Won Ghanaian featherweight title
2 Win 2–0 Nii Nuer TKO 3 (8) 2 Feb 1980 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana
1 Win 1–0 Billy Kwame PTS 10 1 Dec 1979 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, Ghana

See also

References

  1. ^ HBO Sports tale of the tape prior to the third Jesse James Leija fight.
  2. "BOXING; A Fight for Recognition and 2 Titles". The New York Times. 19 May 1990. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  3. ^ "Comfort Atwei Quarcoo: The womb that birthed the legend Azumah Nelson". GhanaWeb. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  4. Errol Barnett (11 August 2012). "Is Azumah Nelson Africa's greatest boxer?". CNN. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  5. Timothy W. Smith (11 July 1998). "Story: BOXING: The Best Boxer Nobody Knows; After 19 Years, the Career of a Ghanaian Legend Nears an End". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  6. "BoxRec: Ratings". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  7. "Boxing 57kg - Men Edmonton 1978 | Commonwealth Games Federation". thecgf.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  8. "Ike Quartey". mobile.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  9. ^ Michael Katz (22 July 1982). "SANCHEZ KNOCKS OUT NELSON IN THE 15TH". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  10. "Nelson takes Title". The New York Times. 10 December 1984.
  11. GUSTKEY, EARL (1 March 1988). "Age and Zaragoza Catch Up With Zarate : Nelson Takes Unpopular Split Decision for Super-Featherweight Title". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  12. Steve Springer (2 December 1995). "Ruelas Is KO'd by Nelson, Specter : Boxing: Champion loses his WBC title to 37-year-old challenger after "seeing" boxer who died after his previous fight". LA Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  13. Tim Kawakami (2 June 1996). "Nelson Retains WBC Title With a Sixth-Round TKO". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  14. "Azumah Nelson - Lineal Jr. Lightweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  15. "Sporting facilities and events renamed". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  16. "Azumah Nelson backs son to become world champion". 21 August 2017. Archived from the original on 24 November 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  17. "Knockout galore as Azumah crowns 60th anniversary with Azumah Nelson Fight Night". www.ghanaweb.com. 22 July 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2019.

External links

Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded byWilfredo Gómez WBC featherweight champion
8 December 1984 – 27 January 1988
Vacated 		VacantTitle next held byJeff Fenech
VacantTitle last held byJulio César Chávez WBC super-featherweight champion
29 February 1988 – 7 May 1994 		Succeeded byJesse James Leija
Preceded byGabriel Ruelas WBC super-featherweight champion
1 December 1995 – 22 March 1997 		Succeeded byGenaro Hernández
Awards
Previous:
Buster Douglas
KO10 Mike Tyson 		The Ring Magazine Upset of the Year
KO8 Jeff Fenech
1992 		Next:
Simon Brown KO4
Terry Norris


All-Africa Boxing Champions in Men's Featherweight
1965 – 2007: up to 57 kg
Commonwealth Games Boxing Champions in Men's Featherweight
  • 1930 – 1938: up to 57 kg
  • 1950: up to 58 kg
  • 1954 – 2006 / 2022 – present: up to 57 kg
Categories: