Ike Quartey Meets Azumah Nelson: Photos Of Ike Looking Older Than Azumah Stirs Reactions

• Photos of boxing legend Ike Quartey have popped up raising eyebrows on social media
• The photos show the 51-year-old Quartey looking quite frail and older than expected
• Many Ghanaians who compared his looks to Azumah Nelson have been wondering what might have happened

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Former World Welterweight Champion, Ike Quartey recently met Boxing Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson at an event.

What was supposed to be a lovely meet-up of two boxing legends has rather brought up questions about Quartey's life.

In a photo sighted by YEN.com.gh, Quartey and Azumah are seen seated behind a table with glasses and champagne bottles.

Azumah Nelson was dressed in a fine African print shirt while Quartey wore a yellow-coloured shirt.

From the photo, Quartey looked visibly older than Azumah even though the latter is eleven years older. Azumah was born on July 19, 1958, while Quartey was born on November 27, 1969.

After the first photo of Quartey and Azumah popped up, another one of him looking frail and shabby came up. (See the third photo below).

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Ghanaians react

Following the emergence of the photos of Ike Quartey, many Ghanaians on social media have expressed varying opinions.

Afia Larbi claimed to have heard that the legend was into drugs:

Cobby Amporful impugned Larbi's claims were wrong:

David Andoh who claimed to have once lived in the same area as Quartey expressed shock:

King-Aki, however, indicated that Quartey is not poor as being speculated:

Jennifer Nimako thought Quartey's looks were a result of age:

Who is Ike Quartey?

Ike Quartey, born Isufu Quartey and nicknamed Bazooka, is one of the few Ghanaian boxers to have won a world title.

He started his career in 1988, just one day before his 19th birthday and went on to become the WBA Welterweight champion in 1994. He knocked out Crisanto España of Venezuela in the 11th round.

After holding the title for over four years, defending it seven times, he was stripped of the belt in February 1999 after his previous defence ended with José Luis López in a draw.

On February 13, 1999, Ike Quartey, undefeated in 34 bouts at the time, met Oscar De La Hoya, also undefeated in 28 bouts, in what is the pinnacle of the latter's career.

Even though he lost by a split decision, he was applauded for giving the highly fancied American a run for his money.

AP News reported Quartey pocketed $4.6 million for that bout while De La Hoya got $9 million.

Is Quartey poor?

Looking at the profile of Quartey and the money he has handled in his lifetime, it is not surprising that a photo of him looking wretched will get people talking.

But contrary to the talk that the Bazooka man is in financial difficulties, ETV sports presenter, Lukman Mumuni says the boxing legend is not poor.

According to Lukman Mumuni, he knows for a fact that Quartey owns many properties across Accra thus cannot be poor.

For him, Quartey may not be taking care of himself as he should, but he is more than okay.

"Ike Quartey is not poor. He is very well to do because I know his son and the cars he drives, which are all for his father. Maybe Ike is not taking good care of himself but he is very okay financially," Lukman told YEN.com.gh.

Chelsea star Rudiger, Avram Grant visit Ghana

In other sports news, YEN.com.gh reported that Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger has been spotted with former Black Stars coach Avram Grant in Accra.

Rudiger, a German international and Avram Grant, a former Chelsea boss himself, are in Ghana for holidays.

In a photo sighted by YEN.com.gh on social media, the UEFA Champions League winner is seen in the company of Avram Grant as they touched down at the Kotoko International Airport.

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