Adam Azim’s rapid rise in boxing is set to continue in June, with a former world champion topping the list for his next opponent.
Azim, 23, solidified his status as one of Britain’s most exciting prospects in February when he dismantled Sergey Lipinets over nine rounds. That victory proved his ability to compete at a high level, and now he is targeting an even bigger name to boost his reputation further.
Azim, who is trained by the McGuigans, spoke to BoxingScene, and told them:
Azim names Prograis and Commey as next opponents
“There’s a couple there – Regis Prograis; Richard Commey. There’s a lot of other names out there. But I’ve got to sit down with my team and discuss what’s the best option.”
“Regis Prograis is a good name. If I’m fighting him it’s a big-profile fight. I’m looking for a good, former world champion, and a big profile.”
Prograis, 36, is a former WBC champion who lost his title to Devin Haney in December 2023. The American returned in March but was outclassed by Jack Catterall, another British contender at 140lbs. Despite back-to-back defeats, he remains a respected name in the division.
Commey, 38, held the IBF lightweight title until a brutal loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2019. He has since moved up in weight but struggled for consistency. Even so, his experience makes him a credible test for Azim.
Azim’s stock continues to rise, and his latest achievement came on Sunday when he was named the British Boxing Board of Control’s Young Fighter of the Year. His promoters at Boxxer and his trainer-manager Shane McGuigan are determined to keep his momentum going with the right opponent.
He is also keeping a close eye on domestic rival Dalton Smith, who fights Canada’s Mathieu Germain on April 19.
Azim has been vocal about Smith’s level of opposition, questioning whether his fights are truly preparing him for elite competition, though Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, believes it is Azim and his team that are ducking Smith.
“Looking at his previous opponent, what on earth was that? Even his next opponent – I’ve never heard of him,” Azim said. “I was a bit shocked [he agreed to fight Germain]. But I was thinking in my head, ‘Look, if that’s the route he wants to take then that’s good, because he ain’t gonna develop, and when he jumps in the ring with me I’ll kill him.’”
For now, Azim’s own focus is on June, when he hopes to add another major name to his record.
