Prof and "The Professor" or the Pedagogue and the Pugilist

Last night, I had the great honor and privilege of meeting and talking with "The Professor" Azumah Nelson, Featherweight Champion of the World during the 1980s.  Considered by those in the know to be the greatest boxer to come out of Africa, the Ali of Africa, if you will.  He presented me with a signed copy of his new autobiography entitled, The Professor: the Life Story of Azumah Nelson. It will be in my carry-on for reading on the way back to the U.S.

Yaw Afari is the representative for the Champ and helps him with various projects related to The Azumah Nelson Foundation: Mentoring for a Brighter Future.  The Champ had stopped by Yaw and Bettina's house to pick up some copies of his autobiography to give and to talk with Yaw about upcoming engagements and activities.

On of the characteristics everyone immediately notices when they meet and talk with The Champ is his humility and gentleness.  After a few minutes with him it's hard to believe he held the Title for a decade against all comers in the Featherweight Division.

It was truly an honor to meet him.

Somehow, every time I come to Ghana something totally unexpected and unanticipated occurs and puts its own unique stamp on the experience.