Adam Azim
{{Short description|British boxer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox boxer
| name = Adam Azim
| image = Adam Azim.jpg
| realname =
| nickname = The Assassin
| height = 5 ft 11 in{{Cite web|first=Alex|last=Pattle|title='We're dealing with a freak': Meet Adam Azim, the 20-year-old boxer scaring world champions|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/adam-azim-interview-boxxer-ben-shalom-b2220626.html|date=26 November 2022|website=The Independent|quote=It might seem an odd way to describe the 5ft 11in [...]}}
| reach =
| weight = Light welterweight
| birth_date ={{birth date and age|2002|7|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = Slough, England
| style = Orthodox
| total = 13
| wins = 13
| KO = 10
| losses = 0
| draws = 0
| no contests = 0
}}
Adam Azim is a British professional boxer who has held the International Boxing Organization (IBO) super lightweight belt since 2025. As a youth amateur, he was ranked as number one in the world at welterweight.
Early life
Azim was born to British Pakistani parents on 21 July 2002 in Slough, Berkshire and grew up in Cippenham, with his family roots in Kotli, Azad Kashmir.{{Cite web |last=Shafi |first=Faisal |date=18 October 2020 |title=15 Most Promising British Asian Boxers |url=https://www.desiblitz.com/content/15-most-promising-british-asian-boxers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209095045/https://www.desiblitz.com/content/15-most-promising-british-asian-boxers |archive-date=9 February 2024 |website=DESIblitz}} His father was a boxing trainer while his elder brother Hassan Azim is also a professional boxer. He belongs to a Rajput family of the Janjua clan.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Max |date=28 March 2023 |title=Assassin's Creed: Adam Azim is the next superstar of British boxing |url=https://squaremile.com/sport/boxing/adam-azim-interview/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209095025/https://squaremile.com/sport/boxing/adam-azim-interview/ |archive-date=9 February 2024 |website=Square Mile |quote=Adam and Hassan are the first of their family to box; unlike many precocious talents, the sport doesn’t run in their blood. However, Az tells me that the Azims come from the Janjua Rajput caste with a reputation for breeding warriors that stretches back over centuries.}}{{Cite web |date=22 November 2023 |title=Adam Azim clinches European light-welterweight title |url=https://www.asian-voice.com/Sport/UK/Adam-Azim-clinches-European-light-welterweight-title |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209095151/https://www.asian-voice.com/Sport/UK/Adam-Azim-clinches-European-light-welterweight-title |archive-date=9 February 2024 |website=Asian Voice |quote=“We’re from the Janjua Rajput caste, which is the same as Amir Khan, who is someone I’ve always looked up to.”}}
Growing up, Azim was inspired by Amir Khan.{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12545433/adam-azim-looking-to-follow-in-amir-khans-footsteps-on-undercard-for-kell-brook-clash | title=Adam Azim looking to follow in Amir Khan's footsteps on undercard for Kell Brook clash }} He has ADHD and attended Eton Porny School, Western House Academy, and Westgate School briefly, before enrolling in Al-Madani Independent Grammar School for the additional support.{{Cite journal|url=https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/23920916.slough-boxer-adam-azim-defies-odds-growing-adhd/|title=Adam Azim on growing up in Slough with ADHD|journal=Slough & South Bucks Observer|first=Daisy|last=Waites|date=14 November 2023|accessdate=9 August 2024}}
Amateur career
Before turning pro, Azim won ten national titles and was ranked the world's No.1 Youth Amateur at welterweight.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Rich |date=20 November 2021 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Meet Hassan and Adam Azim - talented boxing brothers pushing each other to the top |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/hassan-adam-azim-brothers-boxing-25502644 |website=The Mirror |quote=Adam, 19, is known for his rapid hand speed and enjoyed a decorated amateur career, winning 10 national titles as well as being ranked the world’s No.1 youth amateur at welterweight.}} Azim had an exceptional amateur career winning 10 national Titles, one European Championship and a European silver medal. He also won every national title from schoolboys to youths, and was ranked the number one youth amateur in the world at welterweight. {{Cite web |title=Adam Azim Profile |url=https://www.planetsport.com/boxing/adam-azim |access-date=2 February 2025 |website=PlanetSportcom |language=en}}
Professional career
Azim made his professional debut on 2 December 2020 against Ed Harrison. Azim won via wide points decision after winning every round on the referees scorecard.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/ricards-bolotniks-stops-serge-michel-golden-contract-results--153713|title=Ricards Bolotniks Beats Down, Stops Serge Michel in Tenth - Wins Golden Contract|work=boxingscene.com|access-date=5 July 2022|language=en}} On 20 November 2021, Azim fought against Stu Greener. Towards the end of the opening round, Azim knocked his opponent down after landing a right hook. In the opening moments of the second round, Azim knocked Greener onto the canvas for a second time with another right hook. Following the second knockdown, the referee called an end to the bout.{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12474128/adam-and-hassan-azim-both-delivered-explosive-knockout-victories-to-light-up-the-sse-arena|title=Adam and Hassan Azim both delivered explosive knockout victories to light up The SSE Arena|work=skysports.com|access-date=5 July 2022|language=en}}
Azim faced Jordan Ellison on 19 February 2022. In the opening round, Azim connected with a powerful right hand to the body which knocked his opponent down onto the canvas. Azim continued to control the bout and in the third round, he landed a heavy hand which knocked his opponent down for a second time. Following the second knockdown, the referee waved off the bout.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/frazer-clarke-scores-easy-stoppage-win-pro-debut--164231|title=Frazer Clarke Scores Easy Stoppage Win in Pro Debut|work=boxingscene.com|access-date=25 July 2022|language=en}} On 26 March 2022, Azim fought Connor Marsden. Twelve seconds into the bout, Azim knocked his opponent down with a jab. Moments later, Azim dropped Marsden for a second time, after which the bout was called to an end.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/richard-riakporhe-blasts-out-jumah-eight-dubois-azeez-get-ko-wins--165066|title=Richard Riakporhe Blasts Out Jumah in Eight: Dubois, Azeez Get KO Wins|work=boxingscene.com|access-date=26 July 2022|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12588151/adam-azim-coming-for-the-lightweight-division-after-delivering-one-of-boxings-fastest-knockouts|title=Adam Azim 'coming' for the lightweight division after delivering one of boxing's fastest knockouts|work=skysports.com|access-date=26 July 2022|language=en}}
Azim's fifth bout as a professional was against Anthony Loffet on 25 June 2022. Azim dropped his opponent with a right hook in the opening exchanges of the first round. Loffett was able to beat the count, however, Azim proceeded to connect with a number of right hooks which visibly hurt his opponent. Following this, Loffett's corner opted to throw in the towel to protect their fighter from further damage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12640396/adam-azim-stops-anthony-loffet-in-just-66-seconds-with-spectacular-finish-to-seal-first-title|title=Adam Azim stops Anthony Loffet in just 66 seconds with spectacular finish to seal first title|work=skysports.com|access-date=27 July 2022|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://britishboxingnews.co.uk/blogs/adam-the-assassin-azim-scores-second-successive-first-round-knockout|title=Adam 'The Assassin' Azim scores second successive first-round knockout|work=britishboxingnews.co.uk|access-date=27 July 2022|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/adam-azim-gets-big-ko-win-karriss-artingstall-dominates-pro-debut--167231|title=Adam Azim Gets Big KO Win, Karriss Artingstall Dominates in Pro Debut|work=boxingscene.com|access-date=27 July 2022|language=en}} On 3 September 2022, Azim faced Michel Cabral. In the opening round, Azim landed a powerful left hook to the body which visibly hurt his opponent. Azim followed this up with two heavy punches to the head which knocked Cabral onto the canvas. The bout was called to an end after Cabral was unable to beat the count.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/frazer-clarke-adam-azim-blast-out-opponents-liverpool--168811|title=Frazer Clarke, Adam Azim Blast Out Opponents in Liverpool|work=boxingscene.com|access-date=4 September 2022|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.com/natasha-jonas-unifies-world-titles-adam-azim/|title=Natasha Jonas unifies world titles, Adam Azim KO's overmatched foe|work=worldboxingnews.com|access-date=4 September 2022|language=en}}
On 18 November 2023, Azim stopped Franck Petitjean in the tenth round of their fight at the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, England, to win the European super-lightweight title.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/67465723|title=Boxing: Adam Azim stops Franck Petitjean to win European light-welterweight title|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=19 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13011081/adam-azim-batters-down-franck-petitjean-for-statement-european-championship-win-i-had-to-chop-the-tree-down|title=Adam Azim batters down Franck Petitjean for statement European title win as Tyler Denny claims championship dream|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=19 October 2024}} He defended his title with a fifth round stoppage of Enock Poulsen at Wembley Arena in London, England, on 3 February 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/boxing/adam-azim-successfully-defended-his-european-super-lightweight-championship-for-the-first-time|title=Adam Azim Successfully Defended His European Super Lightweight Championship For The First Time|publisher=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=19 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13063435/adam-azim-defends-european-super-lightweight-title-as-enock-poulsen-succumbs-to-abrupt-injury|title=Adam Azim defends European super-lightweight title as Enock Poulsen succumbs to abrupt injury|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=19 October 2024}} Azim vacated the title in April 2024.{{cite web|url=https://boxingnewsonline.net/adam-azim-officially-vacates-the-european-super-lightweight-title/|title=Adam Azim officially vacates the European super-lightweight title|publisher=Boxing News Online|accessdate=19 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/adam-azim-vacates-european-title-favor-harlem-eubank-fight-over-dalton-smith-challenge--182592|title=Adam Azim Vacates European Title In Favor OF Harlem Eubank Fight Over Dalton Smith Challenge|publisher=Boxing Scene|accessdate=19 October 2024}}
Azim stopped Ohara Davies in the eighth round of their fight at the Copper Box Arena in London, England on 19 October 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/adam-azim-produces-career-best-performance-stop-ohara-davies-eight-rounds--186564|title=Adam Azim produces career-best performance to stop Ohara Davies in eight rounds|publisher=Boxing Scene|accessdate=19 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13236728/adam-azim-delivers-stunning-finish-to-take-out-ohara-davies-in-eight-rounds|title=Adam Azim delivers stunning finish to take out Ohara Davies in eight rounds|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=19 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ringtv.com/714494-adam-azim-halts-ohara-davies-in-8th-round-eyes-showdowns-with-dalton-smith-harlem-eubank-in-2025/|title=Adam Azim Halts Ohara Davies In 8th Round, Eyes Showdowns With Dalton Smith, Harlem Eubank In 2025|publisher=The Ring|accessdate=19 October 2024}}
He maintained his unbeaten record on 1 February 2025 at Wembley Arena in London, by stopping former world champion Sergey Lipinets in round nine of their scheduled 12 round contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/impressive-explosive-adam-azim-makes-light-work-of-sergey-lipinets--205019|title=Impressive, explosive Adam Azim makes light work of Sergey Lipinets|publisher=Boxing Scene|accessdate=2 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/cx2qwqgv8q3o|title=Dominant Azim stops Lipinets but low blows tarnish win|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/boxing/2871492/adam-azim-sergey-lipinets-low-blows/|title=Adam Azim blasts away Sergey Lipinets but fight marred by multiple eyewatering low blows|publisher=Talksport|accessdate=2 February 2025}}
On 4 June 2025, Boxxer announced Azim would be added to the weekends card on 7 June, scheduled in Barnsley at the Oakwell Stadium, headlined by local boxer Callum Simpson. Azim was brought in as a replacement due to light-heavyweight Mick Learmonth pulling out of the card due to injury. His opponent was revealed as Mexican boxer Eliot Chavez, who was little know in the UK, having being disqualified in his fight against prospect Harlem Eubank in 2022. Azim stated he was already training hard in the gym, in hopes of a big fight on the horizon and did not want to turn down the opportunity to fight at the Oakwell.{{Cite web |title=Adam Azim is added to Saturday’s show in Barnsley |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/adam-azim-is-added-to-saturdays-show-in-barnsley |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}
Awards
Azim was named British Boxing Board of Control 2024 Young Boxer of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13325364/adam-azim-wins-british-boxing-young-fighter-of-the-year-with-daniel-dubois-named-boxer-of-the-year|title=Azim.wis prestigious young fighter of the year award|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=10 March 2025}}
Professional boxing record
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=10
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=3
|dec-losses=
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
|---|
| 13
|{{yes2}}Win |13–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Sergey Lipinets |TKO |9 (12), {{small|0:33}} |1 February 2025 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won IBO Light-Welterweight title}} |
| 12
|{{yes2}}Win |12–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Ohara Davies |KO |8 (12), {{small|1:18}} |19 October 2024 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Copper Box Arena, London, England}} | |
| 11
|{{yes2}}Win |11–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Enock Poulsen |KO |5 (12), {{small|2:39}} |3 February 2024 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, Wembley, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European light-welterweight title}} |
| 10
|{{yes2}}Win |10–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Franck Petitjean |TKO |10 (12), {{small|2:17}} |18 November 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won European light-welterweight title}} |
| 9
|{{yes2}}Win |9–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Aram Faniian |PTS |10 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|AO Arena, Manchester, England}} | |
| 8
|{{yes2}}Win |8–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Santos Reyes |UD |10 |11 February 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|OVO Arena, London, England}} | |
| 7
|{{yes2}}Win |7–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Rylan Charlton |TKO |2 (10), {{small|0:42}} |27 November 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Alexandra Palace, London, England}} | |
| 6
|{{yes2}}Win |6–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Michel Daniel Cabral |KO |1 (10), {{small|1:54}} |3 September 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, England}} | |
| 5
|{{yes2}}Win |5–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Anthony Loffet |TKO |1 (10), {{small|1:06}} |25 June 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coventry Skydome, Coventry, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental light-welterweight title}} |
| 4
|{{yes2}}Win |4–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Connor Marsden |TKO |1 (8), {{small|0:30}} |26 March 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|OVO Arena, London, England}} | |
| 3
|{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Jordan Ellison |TKO |3 (8), {{small|2:09}} |19 February 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|AO Arena, Manchester, England}} | |
| 2
|{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Stu Greener |TKO |2 (6), {{small|0:20}} |20 November 2021 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The SSE Arena, London, England}} | |
| 1
|{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Ed Harrison |PTS |6 |2 December 2020 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Production Park Studios, South Kirkby, England}} | |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{boxrec|978312}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-sports}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Vladimir Myshev}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBC Youth Intercontinental light-welterweight champion
|years=25 June 2022 – present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Robbie Davies Jr.}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBA Continental light-welterweight champion
|years=11 February 2023 – present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Azim, Adam}}
Category:Light-welterweight boxers
Category:English people of Pakistani descent
Category:Sportspeople from Slough
Category:Sportspeople of Pakistani descent
Category:English people of Azad Kashmiri descent
Category:People from Kotli District
Category:People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder