Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has honoured boxing legend Azumah Nelson with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and an undisclosed sum of money in a show of appreciation for the sporting icon’s enduring legacy.
The surprise presentation took place yesterday (June 16, 2025) at Mr Mahama’s office following a courtesy call by a delegation including Sharaf Mahama, son of President John Dramani Mahama and CEO of Legacy Rise Sports, and British-Nigerian heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The group, fresh from their participation in the Battle of the Beasts boxing event at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday, June 13, 2025, had earlier paid a visit to President Mahama at the Jubilee House before heading to thank Mr Mahama for his support.
Ibrahim Mahama Honours Azumah Nelson with Toyota Fortuner and an undisclosed sum of money in Surprise Gesture#GraphicOnline pic.twitter.com/IlOPbDuOkf
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) June 17, 2025
Describing Azumah Nelson as “arguably Africa’s greatest boxer”, Mr Mahama said the gesture was meant to celebrate not just the three-time world champion’s achievements in the ring, but also his continued contributions to sports and youth development in Ghana. Friends and dignitaries at the event looked on in admiration as Mr Mahama handed over the car keys in a moment that was both symbolic and emotional.
Azumah Nelson, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed his heartfelt gratitude. “I am grateful to you, Ibrahim Mahama, and to Sharaf Mahama for this big surprise. I didn’t expect this at all,” he said. “I am just supporting my son Sharaf who has shown great interest in promoting the sport I love.”
The gesture comes at a time when Nelson’s legacy continues to inspire younger generations, and his role in mentoring and supporting boxing initiatives has cemented his place not only in sporting history but in the hearts of Ghanaians.
Among those present were members of Anthony Joshua’s team, sports entrepreneur Yaw Sakyi Afari of RITE Sports Services, Henry Quarshie—businessman and a member of Azumah’s close team—as well as several associates from Legacy Rise Sports and friends of Ibrahim Mahama.
Ibrahim Mahama, founder of Engineers and Planners and Dzata Cement Limited, is known for his philanthropic ventures, particularly in the areas of education, sports and infrastructure development.
The Battle of the Beasts event, which attracted global attention with the presence of Anthony Joshua, was a celebration of Ghanaian boxing and a demonstration of efforts to raise the country’s profile on the international boxing stage.