Can Adam Azim Follow Amir Khan’s Footsteps, Or Is He All Hype?

December 2, 2024

2 months

Can Adam Azim Follow Amir Khan's Footsteps, Or Is He All Hype?

There has been a lot of hype surrounding Adam Azim, but is it justified?

Azim is a British-Pakistani boxer who draws parallels with Amir Khan. Khan went on to become a two-time junior welterweight champion, the same weight class that Azim competes in. Azim is currently 22 years old, with a 12-0 record and nine wins by knockout. Adam is the former European Junior Welterweight Champion. Azim was born in Slough, Berkshire. His father used to be a boxing trainer, and his older brother Hassan Azim is also a pro boxer. Azim overcame obstacles in his youth, as he has ADHD. During his upbringing, he was inspired by Amir Khan.

Azim’s Rise

He went on to win ten national titles, becoming the best youth amateur at welterweight. Azim became a pro in 2020, beating Ed Harrison in a wide unanimous decision on his debut. In his second fight, Azim stopped Stu Greener in a comprehensive performance. Adam dropped his man in the first before stopping him in the next round with a right hook. Azim slowly increased his level of opposition as he boxed three times this year. He defeated Franck Petitjean to win the European Junior Welterweight Title, stopping his opponent in the tenth round. He defended his belt by knocking out Enock Poulsen.

But the biggest win of his career came against Ohara Davies in his last fight. Azim knocked out Davis in the eighth round. However, Azim has faced accusations that he is ducking Dalton Smith. Azim chose to vacate his European Junior Welterweight Title rather than face his then-mandatory Dalton Smith. Smith is 16-0 with 12 knockouts to his name. Dalton is considerably older at 27, with better names on his resume. Smith secured the biggest win of his career by stopping former world champion Jose Zepeda in his last fight in the fifth round.

Azim’s Future

While the Smith fight never happened, another domestic clash could be in the pipeline. Harlem Eubank is eyeing a fight with Azim next year. Harlem is 20-0 with eight knockouts to his name. He has worked his way through the ranks under the guidance of his father, Chris Eubank Sr. An Azim fight could be his breakout bout. Regardless of the criticism towards Azim, he says the fights with Smith and Harlem will happen. Azim’s career is coming on nicely. And at just 22, there is plenty of time to build his career before he steps in the ring with the big domestic names.

“I agreed to the [Harlem] fight. I was ready for it, October 5th. Obviously I had a few disappointments with injuries and stuff but the fight was obviously [initially] signed on June 15th on that Chris Billam-Smith and Riakporhe fight….Harlem Eubank, my time will come with him. It’s going to happen. Regardless, it’s gonna happen. Even with Dalton Smith, it’s going to happen. I know it will. We’ve got nothing much to say about it now because I’m fighting Ohara Davies and I can’t look past that,” Azim said