"I could have gone another 15 rounds"
In a dazzling display at The Halls in Wolverhampton, Adam Azim clinched the European super-lightweight title in only his tenth professional bout, outclassing Franck Petitjean.
Azim’s lightning-fast jab set the tone from the beginning, disrupting the champion with precise blows to the body and head.
Petitjean’s strategy aimed to weather Azim’s speed and energy, pushing for a late-game takeover.
However, Azim, undeterred, found the key to dismantle his southpaw opponent’s resistance.
In the fifth round, Azim unleashed a punishing left hook to Petitjean’s stomach, sending the champion to his knees.
Although Petitjean struggled to beat the count, Azim intensified the assault with a relentless barrage of hooks and crosses.
By the second half of the fight, Azim asserted complete control, delivering powerful blows.
A right cross-left hook combination drew blood from Petitjean’s nose, forcing the champion to withstand a series of punishing hits.
Despite a point deduction in the ninth round, Azim retaliated fiercely, showcasing his dominance with expertly executed left hooks and well-timed jabs.
Petitjean, the older and more experienced fighter, found himself using all his attributes merely to stay in the bout.
The British Pakistani fighter smiled and exchanged words with his French opponent.
But, Petitjean continued to shake his head when Azim landed, as if to say ‘you have to do more than that’.
However, Azim’s relentless onslaught reached its peak in the closing moments, as he battered Petitjean with flying right uppercuts, ultimately sending the champion to the canvas.
Slumped over a knee, Petitjean succumbed to Azim’s relentless punches and as he went to his knees to beat the count, his corner threw in the towel.
This remarkable victory means Adam Azim is the quickest and youngest British boxer to win a European title.
Talking to Sky Sports, “The Assassin” said:
“I’m feeling amazing.
“He was really tough, I knew I couldn’t stop him in the early rounds, this was a development fight for me, I had to chop the tree down and I did that.
“I could have gone another 15 rounds then.”
Fresh off his win, Azim came face to face with the unbeaten and former European champion Enock Poulsen in the ring.
They will undoubtedly face off some time in 2024.
Elsewhere, Gully Powar dismantled Engel Gomez, winning on points. And, Dylan Cheema felt the force of Robin Zamora and couldn’t seal the victory on this occassion.
Watch the full fight highlights here:
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