EXPLOSIVE super-lightweight operator Adam Azim looks to establish himself as a bona fide world-level contender after passing his first acid test with flying colours.
The 23-year-old was last seen putting on a tremendous display against Sergey Lipinets, refusing to present the former world champion with even a brief window of success.
Soon enough, his lightning reflexes and versatility in the pocket proved too hellacious for the seasoned veteran who, battered and bruised, was ultimately halted in the ninth frame.
Azim’s victory last February followed shortly after Ohara Davies, a proven domestic-level puncher, fell victim to a series of ferocious onslaughts in equally emphatic fashion.
But now, with Azim, 13-0 (10 KOs), only becoming more eager to accelerate his meteoric rise, both Steve Claggett and Regis Prograis have been highlighted as possible dance partners for his next outing.
Claggett, 39-8-2 (27 KOs), is perhaps best known for taking WBO world super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez the distance in a fight which, despite losing nearly every round, largely flattered him.
It was, in fact, more a case of Lopez underperforming against a fighter who has otherwise proven very little in his division.
Former two-time world champion Prograis, 29-3 (24 KOs), on the other hand, represents a far more intriguing matchup, with the 36-year-old keeping one foot out the door while remaining nonetheless serviceable.
In his last assignment, the American floored Jack Catterall – before getting dropped himself – in a performance that showed his potent repertoire of attacks and slick defensive manoeuvres.
But still, with a handful of options remaining on the table, Azim and his team are seemingly yet to nail down his next opponent.
“We’re looking at [returning in] July,” Azim told Boxing News. “I’m currently in camp right now and looking forward to [his next fight].
“It’s going to be a world class opponent – we’re not looking below that, we’re looking beyond that.
“It could be Steve Claggett; it could be Regis Prograis; it could be another couple of names – we’re just not sure yet.”
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