Azumah "The Professor" Nelson after defending his crown
Ghana has a rich history of boxing champions dating back to DK Poison's 1975 featherweight title triumph over Ruben Olivares in California, USA. Since that day, Ghana has seen many of her sons including Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Cobra Koteng, and Joseph Agbeko rise to the crown. On August 2, 2008 Joshua Clottey added his name to these ranks by defeating Zab Judah by unanimous technical decision after Judah suffered a cut to the head from a clash.
Clottey methodically breaking down Zab Judah for the crown
Clottey subsequently lost his title to Miguel Cotto and failed to win it back in a later fight against Manny Pacquiao. Clottey has the uncommon distinction of never suffering a knockout loss in his career.
Like many of his predecessors, Clottey was raised in the Accra neighborhood of Bukom. The town is known for its assembly-line-like efficiency in creating world class fighters. Beyond Clottey, Bukom also formed all of the previously mentioned champions in this post. In Bukom the fighters are seen as neighborhood heroes and role models to whom the children can form a work ethic after and the elders can praise for their accomplishments.
Young boxers honing their craft in Bukom