Azumah Nelson to be honoured as WBC celebrates ‘The Year of Africa’ in Accra

Ghanaian boxing legend, Professor Azumah Nelson, will be honoured again. The World Boxing Council (WBC) is celebrating its “Year of Africa.” A major boxing event is scheduled for next month in Accra.

The event, called “The Battle of the Beasts,” takes place on June 13. This date is significant; it marks 21 years since Nelson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.

Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, led by Sharaf Mahama, is organizing the event. They are collaborating with Amir Khan Promotions, owned by former champion Amir Khan.

Azumah Nelson, now 66 years old, will be celebrated for his career. Known as “The Professor,” he made history in December 1984. He knocked out Wilfredo Gómez to win the WBC featherweight title in Puerto Rico.

Nelson defended this title until 1988 before moving up a division. He won the super featherweight world title twice and held it until 1997. His reign as a world champion lasted over a decade and remains unmatched in African boxing history.

A Legacy Celebrated

Azumah Nelson is recognized as Africa's greatest boxer ever. The WBC has consistently honoured him throughout his career. After his Hall of Fame induction in 2004, he received many accolades alongside legends like Mike Tyson.

In 2018, during his 60th birthday celebration, the WBC presented him with two honorary belts and a silver vase at an event in Accra.

WBC’s Year of Africa Continues

The WBC’s Year of Africa aims to celebrate African boxing's rich history and talent. This initiative began in February with an amateur tournament in Lagos, Nigeria. It featured emerging fighters from across Africa.

Next up is the June 13 event in Accra. It will showcase the first WBC Africa bridgerweight championship match. The main fight features Nigerian-American Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti against Ghana’s Jacob “The Beast” Dickson.

This event honors legends like Azumah Nelson while crowning new champions.