Renowned businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has honoured legendary Ghanaian boxer Azumah Nelson with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and an undisclosed financial package.

The gesture, aimed at recognising Nelson’s exceptional contribution to boxing and national development, was made during a brief but symbolic ceremony at Mr Mahama’s office in Accra.

The event followed a courtesy call led by Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy Rise Sports and son of President John Dramani Mahama, who was accompanied by two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua.

The delegation had earlier participated in the high-profile “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event held at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday, June 13. After the event, the group paid a visit to President Mahama at the Jubilee House before proceeding to Mr Mahama’s office to express appreciation for his continued support of boxing in Ghana.

In presenting the gift, Ibrahim Mahama praised Azumah Nelson as “arguably Africa’s greatest boxer,” highlighting his legendary status in the sport and his enduring commitment to youth mentorship and sports development in the country.

“This is a small token of appreciation for a man whose fists and character have brought honour to Ghana and Africa. Azumah Nelson is not just a boxing icon but a symbol of what discipline, determination, and national pride can achieve. It is important that we celebrate such figures while they are still with us.”
Ibrahim Mahama, CEO of E&P

The Professor of Ghana’s Boxing

Often referred to as “The Professor,” Azumah Nelson is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers Africa has ever produced. He held world titles in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions, becoming a global figure in the sport throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

His technical skill, resilience, and sportsmanship made him a role model not only in Ghana but across the boxing world. The boxing legend expressed his gratitude to Ibrahim Mahama and Sharaf Mahama for the honour, noting that he had not expected such a gesture.

“I am grateful to Ibrahim Mahama and Sharaf Mahama for this unexpected gesture. I was simply here to support Sharaf and his commitment to boxing, a sport I have dedicated my life to. It is humbling to know that my contributions are still appreciated.”
Azumah Nelson

The event was attended by members of Anthony Joshua’s management team, prominent sports entrepreneur Yaw Sakyi Afari of RITE Sports, businessman Henry Quarshie, associates of Legacy Rise Sports, and close friends and colleagues of Ibrahim Mahama.

The occasion served as a celebration not only of Nelson’s accomplishments but also of the renewed momentum within Ghanaian boxing circles, catalysed by the recent high-profile events spearheaded by Sharaf Mahama and Legacy Rise Sports.

The “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event, which drew widespread public and international attention, was a major success.

Held at the iconic Bukom Boxing Arena, a hub of boxing tradition in Ghana. The event brought together top local and international talents and reaffirmed Ghana’s status as a breeding ground for elite boxing talent.

Anthony Joshua’s involvement added further global visibility, reinforcing the nation’s growing reputation as a boxing destination.

Ibrahim Mahama’s donation is consistent with his well-known philanthropic efforts. As founder of Engineers and Planners and Dzata Cement Limited, he has long been an advocate for national development, with initiatives spanning education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sports.

His recent gesture toward Azumah Nelson aligns with his broader mission to uplift Ghanaian society by investing in both people and institutions that shape the national identity.

Sharaf Mahama also took the opportunity to thank Azumah Nelson for his mentorship and decades-long dedication to Ghanaian boxing.

“Azumah Nelson has always been a beacon of excellence for young boxers like myself and many others. This is about legacy, about passing the torch to the next generation, and about keeping the spirit of Ghanaian boxing alive.”
Sharaf Mahama