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31.10.2014 Sports News

Rawlings, Kenpong, Sam Jonah Show Azumah Love

By Daily Guide
RawlingsL, Kenpong, Nana Konadu, Azumah and Sam Jonah at the launch.Rawlings(L), Kenpong, Nana Konadu, Azumah and Sam Jonah at the launch.
31.10.2014 LISTEN

Love, Affluence and class characterized the launch of former World Boxing champion Azumah nelson's book at the well attended event in Accra last Wednesday.

The 278-page book, authored by Ashley Morris and titled, 'The Professor' (the life story of Azumah Nelson), captured the Hall of famer's humble

beginning through his 10- year reign as a world beater till he hanged his gloves honorably in 1998.

Former president John Rawlings, a keen lover of the sport who mentored the boxing legend, grabbed the first copy for GH¢100,000, and so did businessman Sam Jonah, in an auction performed by former boxing boss Moses Foh-Amoaning.

Lending credence to the wise saying that 'a child who learns how to wash his hands well could dine with the elderly', young but astute businessman Kennedy 'Cappuccino' Agyapong also pledged to support the professor with GH¢100,000.

Also referred to as Kenpong in business circles, the former Asante Kotoko Board Member said in a post-event interview, 'We at Kenpong are doing this to celebrate a personality who made us all proud. He is worth supporting and encouraging.'

Other dignitaries pledged various amounts of monies; all in the name of their love for the 'Terrible Terror' whose feat placed Ghana's name on the World map as far as boxing goes.

President Rawlings, who launched the book, declared it a must-read for all, especially the youth.

'This book is a must-read one. I am not promoting it for its sake, but its content has the ability to change the psyche of Ghanaians especially the youth.

'It makes you want to read the next page, it endorses Azumah's lineage, culture, ancestry as well as Ghana's culture.

He became a champion when the country was going through trying times but succeeded in putting smiles on the faces of millions of Ghanaians.'

He praised Azumah, describing him as a uniquely different personality who ensured that a clause in his contract would offer Ghanaians the opportunity to watch his fights live.

Rawlings revealed that in cases where such clauses do not exist, he dug deep into his pockets to make sure Ghanaians watched his fights live.

Encouraging messages from all who matter in the sport- boxing promoters, referees and great personalities like Don King, George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Jeff Fenech was captured in a documentary.

Azumah described the book, the proceeds of which would be injected into his Akuse-based Foundation, as the second chapter of his life and hinted that supporting the initiative equals to fighting illiteracy, poverty, and homelessness among children in the country.

The boxing professor, a director at Kenpong Group of Companies, described CEO of the group, Mr Kennedy Agyapong as one who has played a major role in his life, especially after his retirement from boxing.

Rev. Otabil and Rev. Father Campbell praying for the Prof.

He paid a glowing tribute to the late PV Obeng and Sammy Okaitey, Rawlings, Kenpong, Pastor Mensa Otabil, Dr Nyaho Tamakloe and all who have supported him all these while.

Copies of the book could be obtained at all Zenith Bank branches at a cool price of GH¢100.

High profile personalities like Abedi Pele, Stephen Appiah, Sammy Osei Kuffuor, D.K. Poison and Peter Zwennes graced the occasion.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum

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