Adam Azim is seeking to return to common habits – ending fights early.
With two determination victories in 2023, Azim is seeking to restart his run of knockout wins as soon as extra, this time at European championship degree as he takes on Franck Petitjean on November 18, reside on Sky Sports activities.
Assured he can get an inside-the-distance end subsequent week, Azim is optimistic too that his final efficiency, a factors victory over robust, seasoned Aram Faniian, may have left him well-equipped to make sure victory no matter occurs in opposition to Petitjean.
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Unbeaten tremendous light-weight Azim says he sees a battle with British and Commonwealth champion Dalton Smith as inevitable however admits for now, he is centered on claiming the EBU European title
“I’ll be taking it to him,” Azim instructed Sky Sports activities. “I am prepared for this battle and anticipating the knockout.”
The Faniian battle was Azim’s second 10 rounder of 2023. He started the yr going the space with Santos Reyes to report one other stable victory.
“I’ve confirmed so much. I’ve confirmed that I can field, confirmed that I can go the total rounds, and that I can get hit and take a shot as properly. Them two fights I’ve had this yr are invaluable rounds. I’ll study extra [from them] than knocking folks out,” he mentioned.
He wanted to used his persistence in opposition to Faniian. “I might have gotten the knockout early but it surely’s about timing and getting it proper,” he mentioned.
Combating for the illustrious European title in Wolverhampton on November 18 is coming at an early stage in Azim’s skilled profession. He has solely had 9 professional bouts thus far.
The undefeated super-lightweight recognises the chance it presents and the problem of attempting to dethrone the reigning champion.
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Azim beat Aram Fanyan through unanimous determination in Manchester and mentioned nobody will get within the ring with somebody who’s had 25 fights at his age
“It has been an ideal yr for me, now I am combating for the European title which is an enormous factor and I am desperate to seize that belt with each fingers,” Azim mentioned.
“It is the gateway to the world title, it is a large title that individuals recognise.”
“He [Petitjean] is an efficient fighter, skilled fighter and he is completed properly for himself,” he continued. “However when he feels my pace and energy, he isn’t going to be coming ahead like what he was doing earlier than.”
“I will be the quickest [Briton] to win the European title, I believe Spencer Oliver had 11 fights [when he won it].”
The 21-year-old will not underestimate his opponent, though he believes Petitjean will make a mistake in how he chooses to strategy their battle.
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Azim picked up an necessary win by defeating Fanyan through unanimous determination in Manchester
“He will be committing quite a bit however when he comes ahead and tries getting inside, that is the mistaken ways. I can battle inside as properly however he hasn’t seen that. I am even higher with southpaws,” Azim mentioned.
“So he is in a world of bother.”
Targeted on victory, Azim goes so far as predicting how he’ll knock out the champion.
“It is both going to be the backhand, the fitting or left hook and even the uppercut as a result of I’ve knocked a variety of southpaws out with the uppercut,” he mentioned.
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From selecting up the gloves on the age of 4 to inspiring a nation on the massive stage, rising star Azim shares his unbelievable story
Turning into European champion would place Azim on each super-lightweight’s radar. It signifies speedy development and can be a step in the direction of the place he actually needs to be. He’s aiming to beat Petitjean after which defend the championship earlier than transferring to world degree.
“You have acquired the likes of Jack Catterall, Harlem Eubank, Dalton Smith, these fights down the road can be nice,” he mentioned. “We’re all attempting to get that No 1 spot, however who will get there first?”
For the second although, considered one of Britain’s most fun prospects is headed in the fitting course.
Richard Riakporhe joins Adam Azim on the November 18 invoice, reside on Sky Sports activities. Take heed to him on the newest Toe2Toe: