Azumah Nelson Urges Ghana to Invest in Boxing Trainers to Create World Champions
Boxing legend Azumah Nelson calls for serious investment in Ghana’s boxing trainers and systems after the successful Battle of the Beasts event. He believes the country has the talent to produce more world champions.
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
Ghana’s most celebrated boxing icon, Azumah Nelson, has issued a powerful call for greater professionalism, structure, and investment in the nation’s boxing ecosystem, with a particular focus on trainer development.
In an exclusive interview with Talk Sport, Azumah reflected on the success of the recent Battle of the Beasts boxing event, but emphasized that sustainable growth requires more than just one-off spectacles.
“It’s wonderful; I hope it can continue. I have been telling people that this country, we have a lot of world champions here, but we need people who are serious,” he stated.
“I always talk about our trainers. We need people to polish them so that they can polish their boxers—then we can get a lot of world champions here.”
‘Battle of the Beasts’ Lights Up Accra With International Flair
Held at the Bukom Boxing Arena, the Battle of the Beasts brought international attention to Ghana’s boxing scene. The event was co-organized by Amir Khan’s AK Promotions and Sharaf Mahama’s Legacy Rise Sports, with global boxing figures in attendance.
In the headline bout, Andrew Tabiti (USA) defeated Ghana’s Jacob Dickson to capture the WBC Bridgerweight title, thrilling fans in a packed arena filled with dignitaries, including Anthony Joshua, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and GFA President Kurt Okraku.
Nelson, Joshua, and Delegation Meet President Mahama
In a show of cross-generational support for Ghanaian boxing, Azumah Nelson and Anthony Joshua led a delegation to Jubilee House for a courtesy call on former President John Dramani Mahama. Discussions focused on revitalizing Ghana’s boxing industry and using sports as a tool for national development and global connection.
The meeting emphasized the broader vision of positioning Ghana as a sports tourism hub and a powerhouse in professional boxing.
The Champion’s Vision: Serious Commitment, Lasting Legacy
Azumah Nelson’s message was direct: talent alone is not enough. Without well-trained coaches, strategic investment, and serious leadership, Ghana’s potential champions may never rise to the global stage.
He urged both public and private stakeholders to professionalize training infrastructure, support local gyms, and create systems that nurture young boxers from grassroots to global levels.
Ghana Poised for Boxing Renaissance
With renewed interest, international collaborations, and strong local advocacy, Ghana appears well-positioned to reclaim its status among boxing's elite nations. But as Azumah Nelson reminds the country, the journey from raw talent to world champion is paved by dedicated trainers, structured systems, and visionary commitment.
His words serve as both a wake-up call and a blueprint for Ghana’s boxing future—a future where, if nurtured right, the next generation of Azumahs could soon rise from Bukom to the world.
