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.[2] His father was a boxing trainer while his elder brother Hassan Azim is also a professional boxer.[2] He belongs to a Rajput family of the Janjua clan.[3][4]
Growing up, Azim was inspired by Amir Khan.[5] 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.[6]
Amateur career
Before turning pro, Azim won ten national titles and was ranked the world's No.1 youth amateur at welterweight.[7]
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.[8] 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.[9]
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.[10] 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.[11][12]
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.[13][14][15] 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.[16][17]
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.[18][19] He defended his title with a fifth round stoppage of Enock Poulsen at Wembley Arena in London, England, on 3 February 2024.[20][21] Azim vacated the title in April 2024.[22][23]
^Williams, Max (28 March 2023). "Assassin's Creed: Adam Azim is the next superstar of British boxing". Square Mile. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. 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.