Esteemed boxing trainer Shane McGuigan has told bet365 that unbeaten super-lightweight prospect Adam Azim is on a pathway towards world titles.

The supremely-talented 140 pounder has made a huge impression since overcoming Ed Harrison on his professional debut just under two years ago.

The 20-year-old has since rattled off a blistering run of five successive stoppage successes, and will hope to follow that up with yet another eye-catching performance when he faces the toughest challenge of his career to date against the experienced Rylan Charlton on Sunday afternoon.

The pair are set to headline the unique BOXXER Breakthrough event at London’s Alexandra Palace, which will be screened live on Sky Sports, and whilst McGuigan feels many of Azim’s age would be overawed by such an opportunity, he is adamant that it’s one that his still inexperienced fighter will relish.

“Adam is a guy that thrives under pressure – he loves it, he likes those bright lights,” McGuigan said in the build-up to the ‘Super Sunday’ event.

“There are certain fighters who love working in the gym, and doing their work behind-closed-doors, but then get a little bit spooked when it comes down to fight night.

“It maybe takes some fighters a bit of time to build their confidence up to enjoy the big stage, but Adam has so much confidence and belief in himself.

“He is a headline fighter right now, and that is why we have pushed for this fight on this card. 

“There are a couple of other decent bouts on the card, so whilst this is a smaller, kind of next-gen show, he is still going on there last and headlining, which he will love.”

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The hard-hitting super-lightweight has recently inked a new long-term, multi fight deal with BOXXER and Sky Sports, and McGuigan feels the continuation of such a blossoming partnership will help shape Azim into an elite prize-fighter.

“Myself and my brother work tirelessly with Adam, and the new long-term deal with BOXXER and Sky Sports is great for all parties,” he added.

“It’s a great partnership to move forward, they are going to push him hard and we want him to be pushed into being a star.

“Two years down the line we really believe that he is going to be a star, and will be fighting for world titles – I really believe he will be.

“He just has that X-factor! There is something about him that when he trains and is sparring, then people stop and watch.

“I get to see it day in day out and am so excited for people to see how special this kid is in terms of his talent – it is so deep his talent!”

McGuigan is certainly in no rush to fast-track Azim to world-level; instead wanting to take his time with the talented youngster and further hone his skills in anticipation of those bigger, more glamourous occasions down the line.

That said, there is already one potential opponent whose name is being continuously linked with Azim, in what could be a blockbuster domestic dust-up…

“Dalton Smith is a name that has been mentioned, and he boxes very intelligently, he is a real sharp-shooter, he has a good base and a good punch selection, and you can see he watches a lot of Canelo.

“That (Azim vs Smith) is a fight that is probably going to be building up for a couple of years.

“You don’t get many good dance partners in the UK, other fighters that are at your weight, especially ones that you can really build up as a PPV fight.

“But this is one that has the potential, and we want to build this up to be a big PPV fight, which is what we are going to do, and I am very excited about it.”

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Mark Mothershaw

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