African greatest boxer Professor Azumah Nelson wants legendary Abedi Pele appointed next Black Stars coach.

The iconic American Hall of famer believes the former Ghana captain has the clout and gravitas to lead the West Africans.

The Ghana FA has been scouring for a new man to replace Israeli Avram Grant.

Ex-Kotoko great Kwesi Appiah is rumoured to be the front-runner for the job.

But the three-time WBC Super Featherweight champion,has urged the local federation to give the job to the three-time African Footballer of the Year.

“I support the appointment of local coach for the Black Stars and, whoever is deemed qualified should be given the mandate. But for me personally, I think the GFA should contact Abedi Pele if he is interested in the position," he told journalists on the sidelines of the press launch of the Azumah Nelson Fight Night in Accra on Tuesday.

“I think Abedi Pele represents a persona who commands respect and can handle the team, considering his passion for the game and his level of experience and he’s blessed in all endeavors.

He added: “We should appoint someone who commands respect, because players will disobey coaches who lack respect and it could hinder the progress of the team.”

The Ghana FA has insisted it will not buckle under pressure to appoint Kwesi Appiah after receiving a groundswell of support from the local people.

The Ghana FA six-man search committee will start interviewing the shortlisted coaches this week