Azumah calls on former president Rawlings

Accra, April 23, GNA - Prof. Azumah Nelson - former World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Champion on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on former President Jerry John Rawlings at his residence in Accra. The visit was at the invitation of the former President to congratulate the boxer on his induction into the 'Hall of Fame' in the United States of America (USA) and to wish him well in the impending fight against Jeff Fenech in Australia in June, this year.

Also in attendance were Dr Edward Mahama, Presidential candidate of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Dr Kweku Osafo, a presidential aspirant of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Johnson Aseidu Nketia, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and other party officials. Former President Rawlings said he never doubted the capability of Zoom Zoom Azumah in becoming a world champion because he had over the years' demonstrated high level of determination and discipline during his amateur days.

"These qualities I believe propelled the boxer to the heights he attained in his career as a professional boxer. "The intensity of his seriousness in the 70s gave me the conviction that, Azumah would become a world champion and I'm vindicated by his success."

Former President Rawlings said the exploits of Azumah has made him a role model for the youth and urged the youth to continue to emulate his examples in their quest to realize their dreams. "The Youth must take a cue from Azumah if they are to take over the mantle of leadership in Ghana one day".

Former President Rawlings described the boxer as a great personality who has scaled through hopelessness to gain hope and his achievements should serve as a guide to others to follow. The former president lauded Azumah on his decision to establish a Foundation to help the poor and the needy in society. He said this is the only way the boxer can give back to society for their support and payers during his hey days and urged all to support the Foundation.

Prof. Azumah expressed appreciation to the former President for his support during his formative years. The former world champion said his decision to establish a foundation was motivated by the plight of the poor in the community, hence his decision to return to the ring to raise funds for the needy. Zoom Zoom Azumah called on Ghanaians to support him in his mission since it is for the good of the society.

The boxing professor is scheduled to fight Jeff Fenech in Sidney Australia on June 24, to raise funds for a foundation established by the Ghanaian.

Dr Mahama, Dr Osafo and te former first lady all praised the 'professor for his boxing exploits and wished him well with the establishment of the foundation and his next fight.