Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson has disclosed the reason behind his son, Dalvin Azumah Nelson Junior, deciding to end his boxing career, citing the sport’s demands as unsuitable for privileged individuals.
Nelson Junior embarked on his boxing journey in 2017. However, he found it challenging to balance boxing with his education, ultimately choosing to retire from the sport.
Azumah Nelson explained that his son came to the realisation that boxing is a pursuit for those accustomed to hardship, not for those who have led privileged lives.
While acknowledging his son’s decision to step away from boxing, Azumah Nelson expressed no concern, stating that he himself wasn’t the one enduring the physical toll of the sport. He highlighted the demanding nature of boxing, which necessitates unwavering commitment and determination.
“He realised that boxing is not for ‘Dada ba’ people. It’s a sport for hustlers and people from not-too-good backgrounds,” the former WBC featherweight champion told Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV.
“I’m not worried that he quit the sport because I wasn’t the one receiving the blows. He was the one receiving it and realized he could not take the blows.
“I introduced him to boxing at a young age and he grew up with it but he later realized he couldn’t do it again. It’s a difficult sport that requires dedication and determination. You wake up at 4 am to go for jogging and then hit the gym a few hours later.”
Azumah Nelson, renowned for his dominance in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions during the 1980s and 1990s, holds an esteemed place in African boxing history. With numerous titles to his name, he boasts an impressive record of 39 wins, two draws, and six losses in 47 bouts. His contributions to the sport have earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.
While Azumah Nelson’s son opted out of boxing, the sport continues to thrive in Ghana, with rising talents such as Abubakar Kamoko, son of Bukom Banku, making strides in the ring. Kamoko’s recent silver medal win at the 2023 African Games underscores the continued legacy of boxing excellence in Ghana, building upon the achievements of previous generations.