The Professor

Azumah Nelson has been described as the greatest boxer to come out of Africa. Born the year after his home nation of Ghana gained independence, he played a major part in putting this new country on the world map. 

A glittering amateur career saw him win every title except an Olympic medal, as Ghana boycotted the 1980 Games when he was a favourite to win. After turning professional, he took a last-minute bout for the world title with the great Salvador Sanchez, a bout that changed his life. 

Two years later, in 1984, he won the WBC Featherweight World Title. Like many champions, he rose from humble beginnings, suffered tragedy along the way, but he won and remained a world champion at featherweight and super featherweight for eleven years.

Very few champions have carried such a burden of expectation, and Azumah delivered success at a time when his country needed a hero. He never faltered and won the respect of many across the world.