Adam Azim believes a win over Ohara Davies on October 19 will elevate him to world level.
Azim, 22, fights Davies at London’s Copper Box Arena in his first big step-up since winning the European junior-welterweight title. He is familiar with his opponent after sharing a gym with him when he was a child.
They have stayed in touch since spending time together at the Peacock Gym in London and have so far remaing respectful in the build-up to their contest. Davies, 32, has regardless taking aim at Azim’s promoter Ben Shalom and trainer Shane McGuigan.
The fighter appeared at the launch press conference for their fight wearing a t-shirt with the image of Carl Frampton – a fighter McGuigan has had well-documented legal issues with. Azim is too familiar with Davies’ antics, and said that it changes nothing between them.
“Look, you know with Ohara he’s got unpredictable behavior,” said Azim. “Like he can bring out whatever he wants. I can’t stop that, you know. I know Ohara really, really well and I know how he comes across. Obviously, I’ve got full respect for him, and he’s got respect for me. Look, I just respect everyone, that’s it.”
In his past fight Davies was stopped in the first round by the 41-year-old Ismael Barroso. Azim, however, believes that he can’t take anything from that performance, and instead will be focussing on himself.
“In boxing you can get caught early, you can get caught late, anything can happen,” he said. “Ohara Davies was fully prepared for that fight, but look, it happens for a reason. Ohara Davies, I’ve known him for a while, I don’t really take anything from that fight. I just know him as a person. For me, I don’t really look at the fights, I just look at what I need to do.”
After only 11 professional contests, Azim is already eyeing world titles. He has dreams of becoming the UK’s youngest champion and believes a win over Davies will propel him on to the world stage.
“I’ve always had this mindset that I will become a world champion at a really young age,” he said. “Ohara Davies has been at world level, and this is a great way for me to step up and become a world-level fighter.”
Azim also dnamed some of the division’s best fighters when asked who was his ideal opponent to face for a world title.
“Teofimo Lopez; Devin Haney,” he answered. “I’ve got George Kambosos, Regis Prograis in my mind as well. They’re all tremendous fights, and one day I’ll get a chance to get my title.”
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