Legendary Ghanaian boxer Azumah Nelson says money was never the motivating factor at any point in his illustrious career even though he admits he made millions of dollars from a sport that has been so kind to him.

In an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb TV, Azumah Nelson who is fondly called ‘The Professor’ stated that he does not consider himself a wealthy man, adding that he values the need to help friends and loved ones instead of centering his life on the amount of money he has been able to accumulate.

Although Azumah Nelson did not sign any blockbuster deal to broadcast his fights through the popular ‘Pay Per View’ which most of the current generations like Mayweather have benefited from, the African legend says he made loads of dollars in his career.

“I made millions of dollars from boxing but my life is not about money so I don’t know whether I am a rich man or a poor man,” Azumah Nelson told Ghanaweb.

Despite his status as a living legend and a boxing Hall of Famer, Azumah Nelson, a former World Champion who dominated the Super Featherweight Division for over a decade in the 90’s lives a very modest lifestyle.

Azumah says many are still in awe of the fact that he lives and keeps such a low profile despite his achievements on and off the boxing ring. But the man who defied all odds to make it in life says his belief in God is the reason for his modesty and humility.

“So far as I go to bed and I wake up and thank God, eat something and see my friends I am happy that I can put smiles on the face of someone. I don’t know if I am a rich man or poor man because it really doesn’t matter.”

The 1978 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist has been a devote philanthropist to many orphanages in the country since his days as a boxer.

He has established the Azumah Nelson Foundation which is aimed at reducing poverty through positive mentorship of the youth into self-supporting, productive and well-motivated adults using the power of education and sports.

As he celebrates his 60th birthday later this month, Azumah Nelson will be once again honoured by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and will officially be celebrated with a special edition Azumah Nelson fight night at Ghana’s main boxing promotional address, the Bukom Arena on July 21.

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