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Boxing

Pundit compares Adam Azim to British boxing legend

Pundit compares Adam Azim to British boxing legendDAZN
Azim is now a European champion.

Johnny Nelson believes that unbeaten European super lightweight champion Adam Azim bears comparison to “Prince” Naseem Hamed.

Azim won his 10th pro fight at the wekend when he took the title from the experienced Franck Petitjean in Wolverhampton.

The 21-year-old is racing up the rankings and is one of the best young fighters in British boxing.

Hamed, who was a featherweight world champion, was a unique talent and one who has yet to be matched by others since his retirement. However, speaking to Sky Sports, Nelson explained why there is a chance that Azim is the man to do it.

"It was controlled, it was mature," he said.

"He had developed so much from his last two or three fights. A couple of fights ago I thought he was a little bit green, there's still a few holes in his armoury and he's still learning on the job. But this fight here he was on point, he was strong, he was sharp, he was focused, he wasn't intimidated.

"His pace was ridiculous, and that backflip was ridiculous. But it's well deserved and everything I've seen about Adam from being a young boy.

"He said he got into boxing because he had ADHD. You know, he just couldn't keep still. But he found boxing and that focused him to be to be the person he is today. No nonsense kind of kid.

"At 21 years old I've seen it before with fighters. I think he's got stardust written all over him. The journey he's on, it reminds me of Naz's (Naseem Hamed) journey. He might not have the Naz personality, but he has the punch power he had, the excitement, he has a fan base behind him. It was actually a good night and I thought it was going to be a tough night for him.

"Adam was very quiet, very cool, very matter-of-fact. His ambitions are the champions out there now, and that probably won't happen for maybe 18 months, two years. But to even think that way, he puts himself in that category and I think European level will be a distant memory.

"I remember when Naz did it, he boxed for a European title and then when he got into the world scene it wasn't as a big deal, and I think Adam's going to be that same kind of fighter.

"It's a mix between a young Amir Khan and Prince Naseem Hamed because Amir Khan, his punch output was ridiculous. But Adam seems to be a more powerful puncher than Amir Khan.

"Compared to Naz, I think he has the punch power, might not have that one knockout punch at the moment, but the only difference is he's not got the Naz personality. He's a calm level-headed young man. So he's making his own path.

"To be inspired by people like Amir Khan and Prince Naseem and people like that. This is a great thing, a great start and a great line to want to cross."

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