Legendary British promoter, Barry Hearn, has named Azumah Nelson as the boxer with the highest ring intelligence he has ever witnessed, a glowing endorsement for one of Africa’s greatest-ever fighters.
In a recent interview reflecting on the greatest attributes he has seen in boxing, Hearn praised Nelson’s unmatched ability to read fights and adjust in real time.
“I’m tempted to say Evander Holyfield, but I’m going to leave that out, and I’m going to say Azumah Nelson,” Hearn admitted when discussing boxing IQ.
Hearn, the Founder of Matchroom Sport, went on to make his picks for various standout qualities across decades of boxing.
He chose Larry Holmes for possessing the most incredible jab.
For defensive work, he highlighted Chris Eubank Sr, adding that Eubank also had one of the sturdiest chins he had ever seen in the sport.
Footwork was a tougher category, according to Hearn.
“So, many fighters had great footwork,” he said, before ultimately choosing Sugar Ray Leonard for his dazzling movement and balance.
As for the most charismatic boxer outside the ring, there was no hesitation; Muhammad Ali.
Azumah Nelson, widely considered Africa’s greatest boxer, was a two-weight world champion.
He held the WBC featherweight and super featherweight titles during the 1980s and 1990s.
Nicknamed “The Professor” for his ring intelligence, he is a Hall of Famer and a national icon in Ghana.
Watch the interview below:
🥊 Promoter Barry Hearn 🇬🇧 has picked the legendary Azumah Nelson 🇬🇭 as the boxer with the highest ring intelligence he has ever witnessed.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/Mhn1f9hrmf
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) May 4, 2025
FKA/AE
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