AZUMAH Nelson has been in secret training for three months - something comeback king Jeff Fenech didn't know when he agreed to their explosive rematch on June 24. A trim-looking Nelson went on Ghana television at the weekend to reveal he had been training twice a day. The 43-year-old Fenech was stunned by the news and said he now knows why Nelson was pushing for a 12-round bout, which is likely to be held in Melbourne. Nelson, who turns 50 later this year, had been planning a comeback fight against Mexican champion Julio Cesar Chavez. But it was Fenech who literally beat Chavez to the punch by locking in a stoush with his old adversary. "We phoned GTV to see if they knew about the fight and, if they did, would they be interested in showing the fight," Fenech said yesterday. "But not only did they know about it, they told me Azumah went on air Saturday and looked terrific and told them how he had been training. "I thought to myself, 'What a shifty old fox'. I've been speaking with Azumah each night and he never told me a thing. He always went quiet when I asked him about his fitness. "I wanted to give him plenty of time to get fit and I felt bad because I had a headstart on him when it came to fitness. "But finding out about this won't change a thing, it will mean I just have to make sure I work harder again." Fenech v Nelson III has already been dubbed the Nelson-Fenech Trilogy on GTV. The pair's first fight ended in a controversial draw in Las Vegas at the end of 1991 before Nelson ventured to Melbourne and knocked Fenech out for the first time in his career at the start of 1992. Fenech confirmed that Melbourne, not Sydney, would be the venue for the $1 million June stoush. Mindful of Nelson's age, Fenech initially offered the African the chance to go eight rounds. "I wanted to make sure he would be fit enough and the fight would be worthwhile," Fenech said. "I wanted to ensure he'd make the trip to Australia given (Thai hero) Samart Payakarun had already pulled out. "Azumah kept saying, 'Forget eight rounds, I want 12 rounds'. And now I'm realising why he wanted to go the distance. "He's fit, which is great. But I couldn't be happier with my condition and I could fight tomorrow if I had to." Fenech. who has shed 16kg in two months, hopes to get Nelson to Australia in the coming weeks to promote the fight. He said he was sorting out visa issues and hoped within the fortnight to have Nelson Down Under. Such is Nelson's determination to prove he is not washed up, the African hopes to clash with former Mexican champion Chavez. GTV reported that Nelson was in talks with Chavez - who was beaten by Australia's own Kostya Tszyu late in his career - until Fenech "came from nowhere to overthrow him (Chavez)".
45 year old Chavez can hardly go for 10 rounds. He is pretty much set in life and will be hard for him to get out of his laid back mode to train. I don't think this fight will happen.
A 50 yr old going twelve rounds! lol wicked! Ten bucks says pernell is ring side and challenges the winner
I dont mind when the oldies fight in MMA cause theres less danger to the brain but damit all these guys are going to do is punch each other in the head there asking for death.
why would chavez want to come back, he has loads of cash and has certainly cemented his legacy in the all time greats list. i agree that nelson was also a great fighter but for him to go 12 rounds at that age worries me!!!!!
Actually Chavez was having money trouble a few years ago, which is why he fought Randall, Robinson, and Wiley. Doubt much has changed since.
Its hard to imagine Chavez having money troubles. You would think he could make a living just off his name alone. Not to mention his kids are already on PPV cards.
Damm lets the new fighters of this era fight, that fights where great when they where in their primes right now they cna even walk if not for a wheel chair. I hope they stay retired.
