Azumah Nelson vs Brian Mitchell. What If?

[KOJOE90]

What if these two had met in 1988 or 1989 to unify their respective WBC & WBA Super-Featherweight Titles? Two of Africas finest fighters of the modern era, but who would have had their hand raised in victory? The Professor or The Road Warrior?

Azumah Nelson
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000440

Brian Mitchell
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=003842

[Seamus]

Azumah Nelson has too much speed, skill and power for Brian Mitchell, but the South African was rugged, crafty and had excellent stamina. I see this one going the distance with Mitchell losing to an alltime great by perhaps a respectable 116-112 score.

[Autobarn]

Azumah Nelson has too much speed, skill and power for Brian Mitchell, but the South African was rugged, crafty and had excellent stamina. I see this one going the distance with Mitchell losing to an alltime great by perhaps a respectable 116-112 score.

Nelson was stronger, sure. But he didn't have the tools that Mitchell had. Mitchell was a ring genius, and would've probably won a hard fight down the stretch. Nelson wasn't the smartest guy, check out their respective title defenses against Jim McDonnell. nelson made hard work of it, marching forward into everything the guy threw at him and expending unnecessary energy. not even cutting off the ring. Mitchell pecked and poked, and found his range to outclass Mac from the midway point. Mitchell would've given nelson fits. I've always fancied brian for this particular assignment - like nelson he's one of the best 130's of all time, but AN wasn't the most imaginative technician and that would hurt him vs the great BM.

[meade95]

Azumah Nelson was a notch above B. Mitchell in about all categories (including Ring Generalship).

I see a prime Nelson stopping (TKO) Mitchell late - An older Azumah would have won a close but comfortable Dec -

I always liked B. Mitchell and he was a fighters type fighter.....but he wasn't the class of Azumah by any stretch.

[Autobarn]

Azumah Nelson was a notch above B. Mitchell in about all categories (including Ring Generalship).

I see a prime Nelson stopping (TKO) Mitchell late - An older Azumah would have won a close but comfortable Dec -

I always liked B. Mitchell and he was a fighters type fighter.....but he wasn't the class of Azumah by any stretch.

very much doubt it. nelson's great for his intensity, stamina, durability and ability to find a way. but he lacked Mitchell's versatility. Nelson was intimidating and athletic, but I think Mitchell would find a way around him.

can't believe you'd say BM's not in the same class. BM was more accomplished, made more title defenses, beat a rival champ (Tony Lopez).

Nelson wasn't unbeatable, as fights with Martinez (1), Leija, Fenech I, Villasana I attest - even the Grove fight was uncomfortably close. Great, fierce guy who could make adjustments, but he could be one-dimensional at times. Mitchell was more of a precise technician, less likely to make tactical errors - a long distance runner who got better and better as the fight went on.

I think Mitchell had it tougher. hit the road more, and thus was less likely to get t e benefit of the doubt. unlike Nelson, who sometimes did.

[meade95]

Azumah Nelson was a notch above B. Mitchell in about all categories (including Ring Generalship).

I see a prime Nelson stopping (TKO) Mitchell late - An older Azumah would have won a close but comfortable Dec -

I always liked B. Mitchell and he was a fighters type fighter.....but he wasn't the class of Azumah by any stretch.

very much doubt it. nelson's great for his intensity, stamina, durability and ability to find a way. but he lacked Mitchell's versatility. Nelson was intimidating and athletic, but I think Mitchell would find a way around him.

can't believe you'd say BM's not in the same class. BM was more accomplished, made more title defenses, beat a rival champ (Tony Lopez).

Nelson wasn't unbeatable, as fights with Martinez (1), Leija, Fenech I, Villasana I attest - even the Grove fight was uncomfortably close. Great, fierce guy who could make adjustments, but he could be one-dimensional at times. Mitchell was more of a precise technician, less likely to make tactical errors - a long distance runner who got better and better as the fight went on.

I think Mitchell had it tougher. hit the road more, and thus was less likely to get t e benefit of the doubt. unlike Nelson, who sometimes did.

You can't believe "I said" Azumah is a class above B. Mitchell - I think you mean me and about ever trainer in the boxing biz then -

For you to suggest Azumah is one-dimensional is absurd - The man could box as well as bang (and do both better then B. Mitchell). He had a better jab then Mitchell, better right hand, better left hook and a better chin (without a doubt).

He was fantastic in rematches....and your comments regarding Azumah Vs Leija and Grove (for starters this was when Azumah was post-prime) and additonally Azumah KO'd Leija in their only fight which had a clear cut outcome -

But the fact still remains Azumah was up there in age and past his prime when he fought Leija and Grove (we are talking 10 + years AFTER he first won his WBC world title at FW).

You bring up Martinez (who was a tough guy)...and yes their first fight was tough....but Azumah dominated the rematch and KO'd him!

You also bring up J. McDonnell and act as if Azumah didn't fight him well or that B. Mitchell fought him better - Azumah knocked McDonnell down FOUR times in route to a 12th rd TKO - (not to shabby). B. Mitchell decisioned him -

Azumah would have stopped B. Mitchell by late TKO -

[tiredoldngrey]

This is a tough one for me as I never bought into the "Nelson is Great" stuff; very solid skills, good puncher. I did not think he was a great strategist- or his trainer wasn't- as his fights with Whitaker and Fenech prove (in the rematch Nelson didn't do anything new; the result was due to Fenech and his condition ) and I thought Leija won the first two and that the ko by Nelson was a freak occurence; just caught Leija cold is all. But he was very good and well rounded but he was not "great"
Mitchell...I read about him, then saw his second fight with Lopez and I think I was impressed enough to want to see more. I like fighters that win all their bouts but don't ko everybody; at once I figure them to be bright boys in ther ring. So I went and bought 3 or 4 other Mitchell fights and maybe I got his off night but I don't see it. He doesn't move well- pretty much stays right there. He doesn't seerm to be particularly hard to hit- in fact I was suprised at how much he got hit. And there is not one punch that he throws well enough to call it is shot... Slaps and clubs with the right, slaps and pushes the hook and has an awkward but stiff jab. From what I've seen- other than the atypical Lopez fight- Nelson wins but at 130 Nelson was a bit aged so I think it would be a UD but nobody would be impressed by the sloppy late rounds

[Autobarn]

Azumah Nelson was a notch above B. Mitchell in about all categories (including Ring Generalship).

I see a prime Nelson stopping (TKO) Mitchell late - An older Azumah would have won a close but comfortable Dec -

I always liked B. Mitchell and he was a fighters type fighter.....but he wasn't the class of Azumah by any stretch.

very much doubt it. nelson's great for his intensity, stamina, durability and ability to find a way. but he lacked Mitchell's versatility. Nelson was intimidating and athletic, but I think Mitchell would find a way around him.

can't believe you'd say BM's not in the same class. BM was more accomplished, made more title defenses, beat a rival champ (Tony Lopez).

Nelson wasn't unbeatable, as fights with Martinez (1), Leija, Fenech I, Villasana I attest - even the Grove fight was uncomfortably close. Great, fierce guy who could make adjustments, but he could be one-dimensional at times. Mitchell was more of a precise technician, less likely to make tactical errors - a long distance runner who got better and better as the fight went on.

I think Mitchell had it tougher. hit the road more, and thus was less likely to get t e benefit of the doubt. unlike Nelson, who sometimes did.

You can't believe "I said" Azumah is a class above B. Mitchell - I think you mean me and about ever trainer in the boxing biz then -

For you to suggest Azumah is one-dimensional is absurd - The man could box as well as bang (and do both better then B. Mitchell). He had a better jab then Mitchell, better right hand, better left hook and a better chin (without a doubt).

He was fantastic in rematches....and your comments regarding Azumah Vs Leija and Grove (for starters this was when Azumah was post-prime) and additonally Azumah KO'd Leija in their only fight which had a clear cut outcome -

But the fact still remains Azumah was up there in age and past his prime when he fought Leija and Grove (we are talking 10 + years AFTER he first won his WBC world title at FW).

You bring up Martinez (who was a tough guy)...and yes their first fight was tough....but Azumah dominated the rematch and KO'd him!

You also bring up J. McDonnell and act as if Azumah didn't fight him well or that B. Mitchell fought him better - Azumah knocked McDonnell down FOUR times in route to a 12th rd TKO - (not to shabby). B. Mitchell decisioned him -

Azumah would have stopped B. Mitchell by late TKO -

I said he could be one-paced sometimes.. if you read what i said properly i concede that he was a special fighter who could make adjustments against top quality foes. No one's doubting Nelson's ability in rematches: guys he'd scrape by against in fight one he'd outclass in fight two, including the Hall of Famer Fenech.

There's one hell of a price to pay for doing well vs Nelson. Grove collapsed after their fight. Leija was hammered in the third fight, when Azumah was ageing. Martinez was brutalized and Villasana outclassed 2nd time around. But imo Mitchell was a special fighter.

Did I say nelson did badly against Jimmy Mac? no, he showed great tenacity, stamina and power. He won one of the great fights in the 130 lb division. But he made work harder than it maybe should have been. Whereas Mitchell looked the superior technician when he fought Mac.

Sure, Nelson had superior power. He had a more decorated career, having been a feather champ as well, with a brutal KO of all time great Gomez. I just think that Mitchell's purer skills would have given him a good shot to beat Azumah.

[Ezzard]

Really surprised that Nelson isn't getting more from people posting here. he could punch, move, was quick, rarely hurt and pretty much cleared out the division all except for Mitchell.

I like Mitchell. He's not silky smooth but he was an intelligent fighter who could find a way to beat most people. I just think Nelson is a top 10 Feather and would win this fight be decison. Mitchell is too skilled to get KO'd IMO.

[Autobarn]

Really surprised that Nelson isn't getting more from people posting here. he could punch, move, was quick, rarely hurt and pretty much cleared out the division all except for Mitchell.

I like Mitchell. He's not silky smooth but he was an intelligent fighter who could find a way to beat most people. I just think Nelson is a top 10 Feather and would win this fight be decison. Mitchell is too skilled to get KO'd IMO.

Nelson's an all time great. Based on opposition level, he's indeed the best super feather of all time. He was an awesome specimen and great technician. However, I take exception to the point that BM would be outclassed. BM had the skills and definitely the workrate to give AN big trouble. Good boxers often surprised AN, and it isn't inconceivable that Mitchell would, say, beat him and lose a rematch. Both these guys are great fighters

[Ezzard]

Really surprised that Nelson isn't getting more from people posting here. he could punch, move, was quick, rarely hurt and pretty much cleared out the division all except for Mitchell.

I like Mitchell. He's not silky smooth but he was an intelligent fighter who could find a way to beat most people. I just think Nelson is a top 10 Feather and would win this fight be decison. Mitchell is too skilled to get KO'd IMO.

Nelson's an all time great. Based on opposition level, he's indeed the best super feather of all time. He was an awesome specimen and great technician. However, I take exception to the point that BM would be outclassed. BM had the skills and definitely the workrate to give AN big trouble. Good boxers often surprised AN, and it isn't inconceivable that Mitchell would, say, beat him and lose a rematch. Both these guys are great fighters

Vicious

I started a Chavez-Nelson thread a few months back. I expected Chavez to be favourite but people were quite dismissive of Nelson (as I remember). Anyway could he have ebaten Chavez at 130?

[Autobarn]

Really surprised that Nelson isn't getting more from people posting here. he could punch, move, was quick, rarely hurt and pretty much cleared out the division all except for Mitchell.

I like Mitchell. He's not silky smooth but he was an intelligent fighter who could find a way to beat most people. I just think Nelson is a top 10 Feather and would win this fight be decison. Mitchell is too skilled to get KO'd IMO.

Nelson's an all time great. Based on opposition level, he's indeed the best super feather of all time. He was an awesome specimen and great technician. However, I take exception to the point that BM would be outclassed. BM had the skills and definitely the workrate to give AN big trouble. Good boxers often surprised AN, and it isn't inconceivable that Mitchell would, say, beat him and lose a rematch. Both these guys are great fighters

Vicious

I started a Chavez-Nelson thread a few months back. I expected Chavez to be favourite but people were quite dismissive of Nelson (as I remember). Anyway could he have ebaten Chavez at 130?

It's a tough one to call. I think JC was far bigger physically, not staying in the division too long. being very busy helped keep his weight down. whereas AN looked a natural 126/130. JC was also a fantastic super feather. It was talked about around the time that AN struggled with Martinez in the first fight, and ppl were dismissive of Nelson back then.

I think JC had trouble making the weight after a while, at 130. Would nelson fight a weight drained/weakened Chavez, or one who'd got his weight right and come in like a monster? Nelson was always fit, albeit short for the weight. (his compact build and crossarm defense might stand him well vs the bigger Chavez' hooks, setting up nasty counters...)

Nelson was an accurate and hurtful counter puncher, and Chavez would have to come through some heavy leather. It might come down to pacing-Nelson often surged early, took mid rounds off and closed late (like Hagler). Maybe JC's methodical pressure and genius defense would take JC to a close, gruelling win.

Neither guy would have this easy

[Ezzard]

Nelson's an all time great. Based on opposition level, he's indeed the best super feather of all time. He was an awesome specimen and great technician. However, I take exception to the point that BM would be outclassed. BM had the skills and definitely the workrate to give AN big trouble. Good boxers often surprised AN, and it isn't inconceivable that Mitchell would, say, beat him and lose a rematch. Both these guys are great fighters

Vicious

I started a Chavez-Nelson thread a few months back. I expected Chavez to be favourite but people were quite dismissive of Nelson (as I remember). Anyway could he have ebaten Chavez at 130?

It's a tough one to call. I think JC was far bigger physically, not staying in the division too long. being very busy helped keep his weight down. whereas AN looked a natural 126/130. JC was also a fantastic super feather. It was talked about around the time that AN struggled with Martinez in the first fight, and ppl were dismissive of Nelson back then.

I think JC had trouble making the weight after a while, at 130. Would nelson fight a weight drained/weakened Chavez, or one who'd got his weight right and come in like a monster? Nelson was always fit, albeit short for the weight. (his compact build and crossarm defense might stand him well vs the bigger Chavez' hooks, setting up nasty counters...)

Nelson was an accurate and hurtful counter puncher, and Chavez would have to come through some heavy leather. It might come down to pacing-Nelson often surged early, took mid rounds off and closed late (like Hagler). Maybe JC's methodical pressure and genius defense would take JC to a close, gruelling win.

Neither guy would have this easy

Nelson did often cruise through those middle rounds, making sure that he didn't take any risks. Both men had great punch resistance and I'm pretty sure that it would have gone the distance. Like I said I afvour Chavez but this is a very even fight IMO.

[Autobarn]

Vicious

I started a Chavez-Nelson thread a few months back. I expected Chavez to be favourite but people were quite dismissive of Nelson (as I remember). Anyway could he have ebaten Chavez at 130?

It's a tough one to call. I think JC was far bigger physically, not staying in the division too long. being very busy helped keep his weight down. whereas AN looked a natural 126/130. JC was also a fantastic super feather. It was talked about around the time that AN struggled with Martinez in the first fight, and ppl were dismissive of Nelson back then.

I think JC had trouble making the weight after a while, at 130. Would nelson fight a weight drained/weakened Chavez, or one who'd got his weight right and come in like a monster? Nelson was always fit, albeit short for the weight. (his compact build and crossarm defense might stand him well vs the bigger Chavez' hooks, setting up nasty counters...)

Nelson was an accurate and hurtful counter puncher, and Chavez would have to come through some heavy leather. It might come down to pacing-Nelson often surged early, took mid rounds off and closed late (like Hagler). Maybe JC's methodical pressure and genius defense would take JC to a close, gruelling win.

Neither guy would have this easy

Nelson did often cruise through those middle rounds, making sure that he didn't take any risks. Both men had great punch resistance and I'm pretty sure that it would have gone the distance. Like I said I afvour Chavez but this is a very even fight IMO.

I think the fact that Chavez would press him the entire fight and make AN work all the time would allow JC to take over in the late rounds. But nelson had amazing stamina and would give him all he could hande.

[bollox]

Chavez over Nelson at 130. Just. And Nelson UD Brian Mitchell

[KOJOE90]

Great feedback guys.

I assume that the main reason a Nelson - Mitchell fight never happened was because of the political situation in South Africa at the time?

[theone]

Nelson tough and very close UD over Mitchell. Chavez clear cut UD over both.

[Giancarlo]

Nelson on points.

Mitchell all but forgotten today but a very good fighter in his own right.

[Rover]

Nelson on points.

Mitchell all but forgotten today but a very good fighter in his own right.