Boxing Perspective: Barry McGuigan vs. Azumah Nelson?
By Lee Bellfield May 6th, 2008 All Boxing ArticlesLet's turn the clock back to 1985 in order to consider what could have been a legendary fight between Barry McGuigan and Azumah Nelson.
Both men were riding high in the featherweight division. McGuigan, on an emotional night in London, had defeated the great Panamanian Euesbio Pedroza and had cemented that win with a solid eight round victory over tough American Bernard Taylor.
As for Nelson, he became a World Champion at the second time of asking by defeating the great Wilfedo Gomez in 11 rounds in 1984. He ended the following year with a second successful defence against Briton Pat Cowdell with a swift one round knockout to close 1985.
After months of being called out by Nelson, "The Clones Cyclone" Barry McGuigan agreed to put his WBA version of the championship on the line against The Professor's WBC honours.
The fight was signed to take place at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavillion on 25 February, 1986. It would be a fight that Ring Magazine would vote Fight of the Year.
Despite the goading by Nelson, it was obvious that the African had a high amount of respect for his Irish opponent.
This was highlighted in the opening few rounds when Nelson adopted a high guard to offset the constant pressure of his opponent who was three years younger. McGuigan, although setting the pace, was always wary of the African's potent left hook. That fear was realised when McGuigan was caught high on the temple, taking a count in the fifth round. More...
