MENTION the name Azumah Nelson in Birmingham and fight fans go into a coma of shock and despair.
They remember with chagrin and disappointment the night in 1985 when Nelson knocked out brilliant Pat Cowdell with one punch in the first round at the NEC.
The WBC featherweight title was at stake and Cowdell was on a run of 11 successive victories.
He was in great shape and about to become the new world champion – until he walked on to a stunning left uppercut. It took his corner several minutes to bring him round.
Apparently the ‘next Azumah Nelson from Ghana’ is in town. He is Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Obodai Sai, who has a record of 15 wins and ten stoppages.
And he defends his crown against adopted Brummie Jamie Cox at Frank Warren’s charity dinner show at the London Hilton hotel in aid of the charity DebRA on September 9.
Cox’s coach, John Costello, said: “Sai has a fantastic reputation in Ghana and has been nicknamed ‘the next Azumah Nelson’ which means he has to be good.
‘‘We all remember the Cowdell disappointment and maybe in a small way we can gain some revenge.
“Jamie had to cut short his holiday and we would have liked longer to prepare for such an important fight. But he is in great shape and we are confident he has the fitness and ammunition to become the new champion.
“It is a terrific opportunity for Jamie and we had to take it. The plan is to win and go on and challenge for the British title by the end of the year.’’
Cox, 24, was a top amateur who won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has racked up an unbeaten record of 15 wins in the professional ranks.
He’s challenging for the first title in his career and the fight is live on Sky Sports.
Cox said: “I’m ecstatic that I’m going for my first professional title and it’s going to be the first of many.
“Like all fighters from Ghana, Obodai is going to be throwing plenty of punches and it’s going to be a good test for me, which is what I need to get the best out of me.
“This is my second time on a DebRA Fight Night show and it’s an honour that Frank has put me on as the main event this time.’’
■ For details on table packages visit www.debra.org.uk
