Ghanaian boxing icon, Professor Azumah Nelson, is set to be honoured once again by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as part of the global body’s “Year of Africa” celebrations, with a major boxing event scheduled to take place in Accra next month.
The mega fight night, dubbed “The Battle of the Beasts”, is slated for June 13 at the Bukom Boxing Arena. The date holds special significance—it marks exactly 21 years since Nelson became the first African boxer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
The event is being organised by Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, led by Sharaf Mahama, in collaboration with Amir Khan Promotions, owned by former unified world champion and WBC ambassador, Amir Khan.
Azumah Nelson, now 66, will be honoured for his illustrious career and lasting impact on the sport. Fondly known as “The Professor,” Nelson first etched his name in the annals of boxing history in December 1984, when he knocked out Wilfredo Gómez in Puerto Rico to win the WBC featherweight title. He defended that crown until 1988 before moving up to the super featherweight division, where he captured the world title twice and held it until 1997.
His remarkable reign—spanning over a decade as a world champion—remains one of the most enduring achievements in African boxing history, and a benchmark few have approached.
A Legacy Celebrated
Recognised as the greatest African boxer of all time, Azumah Nelson has consistently received accolades from the WBC. Since his 2004 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame—alongside legends such as Mike Tyson and Sylvester Stallone—he has been honoured with several distinctions, including being named the WBC’s greatest super featherweight of all time.
In 2018, the WBC further celebrated Nelson’s legacy during his 60th birthday with the presentation of two honorary belts and a silver vase at a commemorative fight night in Accra.
WBC’s Year of Africa Continues
The WBC’s Year of Africa 2025 aims to celebrate the rich history, talent, and influence of African boxing. The initiative began in February with the inaugural ABU/WBC Amateur Boxing Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria, which brought together emerging fighters from across the continent.
Next, the spotlight shifts to Accra for the June 13 event, which features the maiden WBC Africa bridgerweight championship. The headline bout pits Nigerian-American fighter Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti against Ghana’s former national cruiserweight champion Jacob “The Beast” Dickson, in a clash that promises fireworks.
The event is not just about crowning new champions, but also about honouring the legends who laid the foundation—and none stands taller among them than Azumah Nelson.
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