Adam Azim: Beyond The Ropes

Adam Azim: Beyond The Ropes

We forget that Adam Azim is still only 24. He has seemingly been around the fight game far longer than he actually has. A perception that his career is wasting away. Injuries, fights falling through, and his promoter in the contract abyss of being without a TV deal for much of the latter part of last year. Plenty of factors have delayed the true arrival on the big stage for the unbeaten supposed star in waiting. Azim has seen his big domestic rival, Dalton Smith, win a world title. Azim hasn’t yet. But the hope Azim will now start making up for lost time.

On Saturday night, the 24-year-old will make his delayed appearance on the national broadcaster when he fights the tough veteran Canadian Steve Claggett at Wembley Arena on Saturday, live on BBC Two. A big platform that should bring his silky skills to a brand new audience. Azim and the BBC could be made for each other.

The 36-year-old Canadian could be the perfect foil for the return of the Boxxer prodigy. Claggett (40-8-2) is almost certainly at the tail end of his career. But his record is solid enough. Only one defeat since 2021, and that was to Teofimo Lopez in an unsuccessful attempt at the WBO world super-lightweight title. Claggett had his own recent period of inactivity but returned earlier this year with a stoppage victory over Alejandro Frias Rodriguez. Claggett at 6-1 is the betting outsider, but if he isn’t just coming for the payday, he could give Azim at least some kind of a test.

Azim (14-0) returns for the first time since his 12th-round stoppage victory over Kurt Scoby in November. Azim hasn’t really been tested yet in his fourteen professional fights; Steve Claggett isn’t likely to change that narrative. Claggett hasn’t been stopped since 2021; Azim might end that streak on Saturday night. It’s not if Azim wins, but how.

If, as expected, Azim wins, which I think he will with some degree of comfort, he will hope his career finally reaches the next level. He needs plenty of activity and the right fights. His career has been a little stop-start so far. That needs to change.

The world title is the obvious target. If he gets one, talk of fighting Dalton Smith will surely then start to gather real momentum. In truth, it will be more than just talk. It could have happened already, but the delay benefits Azim more than the Sheffield fighter. At 29, Smith is more seasoned. All Azim lacks is that.

Dalton Smith claimed the WBC title earlier this year in a stunning performance against Subriel Matias. If Azim can pick up a world title of his own in the next fight or two, a big all-British unification world title showdown could be one of the fights of next year. Azim is good. Smith will tell us just how good he really is.

Photo Credit: Chris Dean/Boxxer