Azumah Nelson Signed International Boxing Hall of Fame 2004 Induction Programme also signed by referee Stanley Christodoulou.

Condition mint

Price: £75

Born July 19, 1958 in Accra, Ghana. A fine amateur boxer, he logged 50 wins in 52 contests before joining the paid ranks in 1979. In only his 14th pro bout, he was matched as a late substitute with Hall of Famer Salvador Sanchez for the WBC featherweight belt in Madison Square Garden. Nelson battled the Mexican legend valiantly before succumbing in the 15th round of their July 1982 contest. The previously unknown Ghanaian was now a recognized force in the 126lb division and on December 8, 1984 he captured the WBC championship with a 11th round TKO over Hall of Famer Wilfredo Gomez. He successfully defended the belt six times before winning the WBC super featherweight title from Mario Martinez in 1988. After four title defenses, he unsuccessfully challenged Pernell Whitaker for the WBC/IBF lightweight titles. Upon returning to the 130-pound class he defended his championship six more times, including a controversial draw with Australian Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech on June 28, 1991. In the rematch eight months later, Nelson ventured to Australia and stopped Fenech via 8th round kayo. Wins over Calvin Grove and Gabe Ruelas led to the first of four encounters with "Jesse" James Leija. Nelson drew with Leija in their first bout on September 10, 1993 before losing the WBC title to the tough Texan in the rematch eight months later. After regaining the belt from Leija's successor Gabriel Ruelas in December 1995, Nelson got revenge with a TKO win over Leija in the 6th round of their rubber match. In his next outing he lost the championship to Genaro Hernandez (L12) and then dropped a 12-round decision to Leija in what would be Nelson's last bout. A true world champion, he fought all over the globe, including England, Australia, Spain, Mexico and throughout the United States. A combination of technical boxing skills, power in both hands and a reliable chin enabled Nelson to compile a 39-5-2 (28KOs) record. A national hero in his homeland, Nelson still resides in Accra.





One of the finest referees in the world, South Africa's Christodoulou has officiated over 100 world title bouts and has arbitrated in each of boxing's 17 weight divisions. Born in Johannesburg on January 31, 1946, he began his career in 1963 and refereed his first world title bout in 1973 when Romeo Anaya and Arnold Taylor battled for the world bantamweight title. Among other fights he has been the third man for include Victor Galindez vs. Richie Kates, Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Roberto Duran, Barry McGuigan vs. Eusebio Pedroza, and Alexis Arguello vs. Aaron Pryor I. Considered one of the most powerful and revered men in South African boxing, he has served as executive director of the South African Boxing Board of Control and has twice been named South African boxing's "Man of the Year". Admiration for Christodoulou extends beyond his home country, as he is well respected the world over. He is a member of the World Boxing Association's International Officials Committee and, in 1980, was named the WBA's "Referee of the Year." An ambassador for South African boxing, Christodoulou is a commanding presence in the ring and also serves as a ringside judge for many championship contests.