02.06.08 – by James Slater: Talk about a fight that takes some believing! It seems almost anything is possible in the sport of boxing these days, and adding proof to this way of thinking is the fact that two former greats who should be doing nothing but reflecting on their past achievements are instead making quite astonishing returns to the ring later this month.. Africa’s once magnificent Azumah Nelson, known as “The professor” due to his vast knowledge of the art of boxing, is legend number one. While Australia’s once tough-as-nails Jeff Fenech, know as “The Thunder from Down Under” during his peak years, is legend number two.
Set to meet in the third fight of a series that began way back in 1991, the two former world champions meet at the veteran stage this June 24th in Melbourne, Australia. The ten-round bout will take place at light-middleweight – a poundage neither guy was anywhere near close to in their prime. This factor is just another one that helps make this upcoming fight seem all the more unrealistic- the main factor giving the clash a sense of the unreal about it being the age of the two fighters involved. Fenech is 44 and Nelson is even older at 49!
Both boxers were undeniably special fighters in their day, but that was a long time ago. Nelson, the more recent of the two men to have fought, lost the last two times he boxed. At that time, back in 1997/98 and after losing decisions to Genaro Hernandez and Jesse James Leija, it seemed Nelson had realised his fighting days were over and was content to retire as an all-time great. Now such thinking has been put into disarray. What is Azumah thinking, coming back after a full decade out and after having already had an incredibly long (19 year) career? Aren’t professors supposed to be smart?!
As for Fenech, he last fought way back in 1996. On that less than glorious occasion Fenech was stopped by lightweight Philip Holiday in just two rounds. How on earth does Jeff feel his punch resistance will have improved any now – some twelve years later? The fight has rightfully received its share of condemnation, yet Fenech has been quoted as saying he felt the level of criticism would have been greater. Indeed, as sad as it may be to some, the fight will likely get a good viewing audience. This battle of golden oldies will prove to be too much of a curiosity for some fight fans. But who will win?
As tough a fight to predict as you could name right now, due largely to the fact that we have absolutely no idea what either guy has left, picking a winner from Nelson-Fenech III is a hard job. Looking back at the original two fights the super-featherweights had gives us no clue – so long ago and at a vastly different weight from what the two men are now did they take place. For the record, as fans will surely know, the two greats fought a sensational draw in fight one (most felt Fenech was robbed of a win) and Nelson battered Fenech to defeat in 8 rounds a year later, in 1992.
Both of the fights that took place in the early 1990’s were truly thrilling and intensely fought affairs. What we will be witness to in a little over three weeks time, however, is anyone’s guess. Fenech is reportedly looking great in the gym and Nelson is also reported to be giving his all in training. But the two men have a combined age of 93, and this factor is sure to produce a fight that has its fair share of faded reflexes, questionable punch resistance, limited stamina and a good deal of huffing and puffing. The only good thing we can really say is at least both fighters are at the veteran stage and as such as evenly matched as is possible. At least neither guy is going in with a young lion.
Nelson-Fenech III, at 154 pounds? Quite unbelievably, it is actually happening and it takes place very soon. As to who wins, and what this winner does then, this writer will make no prediction. It does seem, however, that another former great in Julio Cesar Chavez will be a very interested spectator on the 24th!