Cornelius Boza Edwards

Cornelius Boza Edwards, born Cornelius Bbosa on May 27, 1956, in Kampala, Uganda, is a retired professional boxer who competed primarily in the super-featherweight and lightweight divisions. A southpaw noted for his toughness and aggression, Boza Edwards built a respected career through the late 1970s and 1980s, earning recognition for his world title achievements and for his participation in several of the era’s most action-packed contests. Standing 5ft 9in tall with a reach of 70.9 inches, he combined physical reach with relentless pressure to become one of Uganda’s most accomplished fighters.

He began his professional career on December 20 1976, working under British management and quickly establishing himself on the UK scene before moving into international contention. His rise culminated in 1981 when he defeated Rafael Limón by unanimous decision over fifteen rounds to win the WBC world super-featherweight title. Later that year, he successfully defended the belt against Bobby Chacon when Chacon’s corner retired him after the thirteenth round. Boza Edwards lost the title in his next bout, in August 1981, to Rolando Navarrete by fifth-round knockout in Viareggio, Italy.

Following his world title reign, he remained a leading figure in the division, capturing the European super-featherweight title in 1982 after forcing Carlos Hernandez to retire in the fourth round. He fought many of the leading names of his generation, including Alexis Argüello, Bobby Chacon, Rocky Lockridge, Héctor Camacho, and José Luis Ramírez. His 1983 rematch with Chacon, which he lost on points, was widely celebrated for its ferocity and was later named Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine.
Boza Edwards moved up to the lightweight division in the mid-1980s and twice challenged for the WBC world lightweight title. In 1986, he dropped a unanimous decision to Héctor Camacho, and in 1987, he was stopped in the fifth round by José Luis Ramírez in Paris. The latter bout marked the end of his professional career, which spanned nearly eleven years. His final record stood at 45 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, with 34 victories coming by knockout.

In the ring, Boza Edwards was known for his high work rate, endurance, and willingness to engage in close-quarters exchanges. His southpaw stance and physical strength made him a difficult opponent, and his bouts often drew praise for their intensity and entertainment value. After retiring from active competition, he settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he remained involved in the sport as a trainer and mentor to younger fighters. In recognition of his contributions to boxing, he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.