Azumah Nelson at the US Embassy
Ghanaian Boxing Legend Azumah Nelson has recounted his last moment with the World boxing legend and Activist Muhammad Ali before his passing on June 3, 2016 at age 74.
Speaking at the screening and discussion of the ‘City of Ali,’ the story of Mohammed Ali at the US Embassy, Accra, Azumah Nelson referred to him as “ The Greatest” boxer to ever walk the surface of the earth and will be remembered in times to come.
Speaking on his encounter with Mohammed Ali, Azumah Nelson said, “When I met with him, he said ‘I hear you are a boxing champion.’ I responded, ‘Yes I am.’ He tried some boxing tactics with me but anytime he makes the moves I jam, jam again on several occasions. Later, he agreed I was a champion.”
Azumah Nelson said, for years on studying the world’s champion and his encounter with him, many love him as a result of his charismatic personality, social activism and philanthropy.
“Ali does things from his heart, whatever he is doing was for the good of humanity and I can tell you if there is heaven and hell, nobody will tell you that Ali will go to heaven as least from what we saw. He was a lovely person and each time I pray for him that God keeps him,” he added.
Azumah Nelson called on upcoming boxers to read about Mohammed Ali’s legacy as it offers valuable lessons for young boxers.
He added that taking into consideration Ali’s confidence helped him psych out opponent thereby helping him win most fights.
“Mohammed Ali stood for something, he spoke on social issues, trained hard to win his opponents, which helped him, adjust his style and strategies. These strategies and more can help young boxers to develop a winning mindset and champion spirit” he added.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke