British Lightweight Prospect Adam “The Assassin” Aziz is a Genuine Talent
On the undercard of the grudge match between Amir Khan and Kell Brook, lightweight British prospect Adam “The Assassin” Azim (3-0, 2 KOs) scored a third-round TKO over Jordan Ellison. It was a showcase opportunity for the 20-year-old from Bolton, England, who is receiving an enormous amount of buzz in UK boxing circles.
THE LOVE CAME EARLY
Adam was introduced to the sport by his father, who used to take him and his older brother, Hassan, to fights when they were kids. A love quickly developed. An admirer of Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez growing up, his boxing role model is Khan. It’s understandable why. With his silver medal in the 2004 Olympics and success in the pro ranks, the impact of Khan on the Muslim and South Asian community cannot be overstated.
Aziz was outstanding as he won ten national titles. He was also ranked the number one youth amateur welterweight in the world. It was during this time word spread in fight circles about his talent.
VERY HIGH PRAISE
Trained by the very respected Shane McGuigan, he turned pro with a six-round win over Ed Harrison in December of 2020. Having trained world champions such as Carl Frampton, George Groves, and current WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie, McGuigan told Sky Sports Azim is the most talented fighter he’s worked with and is destined for greatness.
“He will transcend the sport […] He is definitely someone who will win a world title. There is just something about him. I’ve worked with a lot of talent, and he’s right up there. He can punch with either hand. He has ridiculous speed and reflexes.”
THE “IT” FACTOR
The speed and reflexes were on full display in his win over Ellison. At 5’10”, Azim is athletic and coordinated and glides around the ring effortlessly. He showed power by putting Ellison down in round one with a body shot and finishing matters with a left hook to the head. His hand speed is legit, and his natural ability is eye-catching.
While Azim views Khan as his idol, he has a swag reminiscent of former unified world featherweight champion and British boxing legend, “Prince” Naseem Hamed. He even did a Hamed-like backflip in celebration.
Is it presumptuous to predict that Adam Azim will transcend boxing? Probably so. However, he is a genuine talent and one young man that many will keep tabs on moving forward.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
