Adam Azim can push to the front of IBF queue, reckons Ben Shalom

Promoter Ben Shalom has said he could approach either the teams of Lindolfo Delgado or Arthur Biyarslanov to step aside so his man, Adam Azim, can fight for the vacant IBF 140lbs title next.

Adam Azim blitzed veteran Canadian Steve Claggett at Wembley Arena last night, stopping him in three one-sided rounds, just days after the IBF ordered Delgado and Biyarslanov to meet for their vacant belt.

“I don’t think there’s any money in that fight,” Shalom said of the proposed title match. “I think there’s an opportunity there that we’ll be getting on on Monday, possibly step aside. Adam is the promotional star in those IBF rankings now and I hope to make it next. I really do. He’s in line to either fight the winner or do a step aside and fight for it next because he’s ready and he’s not only the best fighter but the promotional star as well.”

Azim had not boxed since a November win over Kurt Scoby. He had been due to fight Gustavo Lemos earlier in the year but both fighters were injured in the build-up and the contest never got back on track.

Now, Azim says activity is key. He improved to 15-0 (12 KOs) by claiming Claggett’s scalp.

“I want to be active, of course,” he said. “Could be August, September time and fighting again and let’s see what happens after that. The main thing is to be active, making statements and putting a performance on.”

He certainly did that against Claggett.

Azim has talked at length about having ADHD, and he believes it helps him in the ring. Trainer Shane McGuigan nodded when Azim said so last night, and the fighter added: “I think about a thousand things only head [in a fight], like what am I going to do tomorrow, what am I going to do when I get home. But ADHD is a superpower.”