Known as the ‘Professor,’ Azumah Nelson stands as Ghana’s premier boxing icon, whose remarkable achievements in the 80s and 90s elevated Ghanaian boxing to global prominence. His matches were so captivating that Ghanaians often stayed up late to witness his impressive performances.

Nelson, a two-weight world champion, held the WBC featherweight title from 1984 to 1987 and secured the WBC super-featherweight title twice, between 1988 and 1997. He also competed for the unified WBC and IBF lightweight titles in 1990.

On July 19, 2024, we celebrate the 66th birthday of this boxing legend, born on July 19, 1958. His illustrious career spanned from 1979 to 2009.

Here are six notable records of Azumah Nelson:

Three-Time World Champion: Nelson earned world titles in both the WBC featherweight and WBC super-featherweight divisions. He held the WBC featherweight title from 1984 to 1987 and won the WBC super-featherweight title twice, in 1988 and 1997.

WBC’s Greatest Super Featherweight Boxer of All Time: In 2004, the WBC named him the Greatest Super Featherweight Boxer of All Time, recognizing his dominance in the division.

2004 Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee: Nelson became the only Ghanaian boxer inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.

2020 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee: In 2020, he was also inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as a distinguished boxer.

Africa’s Greatest Boxing Champion: Nelson is celebrated as Africa's Greatest Boxing Champion.

Gold Medalist at the 1978 Commonwealth Games: At the 1978 Commonwealth Games and All-Africa Games, Nelson won gold medals in the featherweight division, earning the title of Amateur Boxer of the Year from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).