Mix of Amir Khan and Naseem Hamed can make Adam Azim a superstar

10 February 2023 , 16:30

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Adam Azim is fighting Santos Reyes this weekend (Image: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Adam Azim has Amir Khan’s panache and Naseem Hamed’s power, in other words, a superstar in the making.

All the great fighters have speed. If you can sit down on your shots and let go before your opponent senses what’s happening it is an incredible advantage. I have had Azim on pads. For a guy of his build he produces incredible torque. His rotational speed is freakish.

And that left hook is one of the best I have seen. The right hand isn’t bad either, and he’s only 20 years old. To be topping the bill at Wembley in only his eighth fight is a measure of his talent and how highly he is rated by Sky.

We had to search long and hard to match him. Most of the good guys are not interested. They want to plough their own furrow before taking the risk.

Adam Azim celebrates after knocking out Michel Cabral (Getty Images)

He has been sparring with the best, Luke Campbell here and against Cubans out in Miami. He spars with middleweights just to get the rounds in. And he does not hold back.

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With each fight he grows in confidence and belief, and this kind of bill-topping experience helps him understand a little more about handling the big fight experience.

His opponent, Santos Reyes, is from Nicaragua, a country that has produced the likes of Alexis Arguello and Roman Chocolatito Gonzales. He is undefeated in 12 fights and is coming to win. Azim needs that kind of challenge at this stage of his career as he builds towards a first title shot.

It’s all about building his ranking in order to shoot for the stars. In my view he is good enough now to challenge for a British, Commonwealth or European crown. But persuading the holders to put their belts on the line is not easy. And believe me, I understand their reluctance.

Also on the Wembley bill is Caroline Dubois, another sensational talent making a big name for herself. Her upper body movement and ability to work on the inside is exceptional.

Again matching Dubois is not easy. Her opponents know what’s coming, so well done to Feriche Mashaury for accepting the invite. Dubois has that look in her eye, such a ruthless fighter. Growing up in a boxing family has certainly left its mark.

Like Azim, she knows how good she is and that kind of aura is such a blessing. I’m backing the pair of them to blow through their respective lightweight and super lightweight divisions and by the end of the year to be celebrating titles.

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Barry McGuigan