Despite boasting an amateur victory over ‘The Assassin’, top prospect Steven Cairns would gladly offer Adam Azim a shot at revenge in the professional ranks.
The two standout talents collided in 2018, both just 16 years old, with Cairns outpointing his razor-sharp opponent over three rounds.
According to the Irishman, though, the split decision verdict did not quite do his performance justice, as he was told shortly after their match that no other fighter had beaten the red-hot Azim so convincingly.
Only those inside St.Brigids Boxing Club in Edenderry, Ireland, will know the full story, but Cairns tells Boxing News that he received a ringing endorsement from several spectators.
“I think that’s a great fight for the future. When we fought in the amateurs, it was Ireland vs England – and I beat him.
“I remember there were a lot of English dads and coaches saying they’d never seen anyone [perform like that against] Adam Azim before.
“He’s a nice kid, but let’s see what happens in the future.”
With Azim closing in on a world title shot and Cairns progressing at a steadier rate, it could be some time before their second encounter is seriously considered.
In the meantime, Cairns looks to resume his development against Senan Kelly, featuring on the undercard of Pierce O’Leary vs Mark Chamberlain on August 1.
Coming off a ninth-round stoppage over Arnie Dawson, ‘The Irish Takeover’ returns to Dublin’s 3Arena and, this time around, will be travelling up to super-lightweight for an intriguing domestic dustup under Frank Warren’s Queensberry banner.
“[a clash with Kelly] had never really crossed my mind, because I’m a lightweight and he typically fights at 140lbs.
“But, for this event, we wanted a proper all-Irish clash – one that the fans would love – so that’s why I’m fighting at 140lbs. After this fight, I’ll be going back down to 135lbs.”
Like many of his fellow countrymen, Cairns has based himself in the UK since his professional debut, training in Sheffield with head coach Dave Coldwell.
Perhaps best known for his work with former world champion Tony Bellew, Coldwell was already on Cairns’ radar and, after showcasing his skills in the gym, the lightweight prospect was only too happy to remain in Steel City.
“I love Ireland; love all my family, my friends, my people. But being a pro boxer in Ireland is hard. It’s only now that we’re seeing big fights in Ireland.
“So, for me, it was a case of needing to go elsewhere, just to see how far I can really take myself in the sport.
“For an Irish fighter, it’s either the UK or America, and I’d already met Dave Coldwell. He started managing me first and then I asked if I could come over for sparring.
“At the time, it was one of the biggest moments of my life, even after winning national titles and European medals.
“I was going from sparring kids to sparring fully-grown men, so this was my audition to prove to Dave – a world-class coach – that I could hang with these men.
“It was then a proper buzz when he agreed to train me. My missus was not as buzzing, because she knew it would mean me moving to Sheffield, but it’s all good now – we’ve got a house together.”
Satisfied with his lifestyle – both professionally and personally – the 24-year-old must now focus on improving his record of 14-0 (9 KOs).
Perhaps a few fights down the line, Cairns could then start targeting a world-level rematch with Azim, who would surely be eager to exact his revenge over an old amateur foe.
