Adam Azim Says He’s Ready To Take Over As Steve Claggett Eyes Wembley Shock

The scales rarely tell the full story, but they confirmed one thing on Friday afternoon – Adam Azim and Steve Claggett are ready to go.

Both men made weight comfortably ahead of Saturday night’s BOXXER main event at Wembley Arena, setting up a fascinating clash between one of British boxing’s brightest young talents and a veteran who believes his biggest moment is still ahead of him.

Azim tipped the scales at 139lbs, with Claggett coming in at 139.3lbs for their 12-round super lightweight contest.

For Claggett, this fight represents the opportunity he’s spent years chasing.

“I’ve dreamed my whole life for this opportunity and training went well and I’m ready to show it,” said the Canadian.

Azim looked equally confident, continuing the theme that’s followed him throughout fight week.

“I’m ready to take over.”

It’s the kind of statement that will either look prophetic or provide motivation for an opponent who has made a career out of upsetting expectations. Claggett has been around long enough to know he isn’t arriving in London to play a supporting role.

Still, the spotlight belongs to Azim. The unbeaten 14-0 prospect has become one of the key faces of the BOXXER stable and another impressive victory would only increase calls for bigger names and bigger opportunities.

Late Change Adds Extra Twist To Cruiserweight Title Fight

One of the biggest developments of fight week came in the co-feature.

Juergen Uldedaj was originally expected to meet unbeaten American Muhsin Cason for the IBO World Cruiserweight title, but a late switch means Austine Nnamdi now steps into the challenge.

Late replacements can be unpredictable. They arrive with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Nnamdi certainly sounded like a man embracing the moment.

“It’s my destiny. I want to thank my coach and I’m ready to take the belt.”

Uldedaj, who weighed 199.5lbs to Nnamdi’s 197.4lbs, wasn’t entertaining the idea of an upset.

“I won’t be letting my supporters down. My heart is in this and the belt is coming home with me. I love my Albanian crowd.”

With a world title on the line and a late replacement carrying plenty of belief, this suddenly feels like one of the most intriguing fights on the card.

Hennessy Looking To Keep Rising

Unbeaten bantamweight prospect Francesca Hennessy enters another important night in her career when she faces Aurora De Persio for the WBC Silver Bantamweight title.

Hennessy weighed 117.10lbs, while De Persio came in at 118lbs.

The Londoner made it clear how much the fight means to her.

“This is a must win for me and I’m ready. To the fans, put your dreams into anything you believe in.”

Every appearance seems to bring more attention and another win here would continue her steady climb through the rankings.

Kodua And Harrison Bring The Personality

If there was an award for fight week entertainment, Will Harrison might have claimed it.

Harrison weighed 146.10lbs for his English welterweight title challenge against unbeaten champion Joel Kodua, who came in at 146.5lbs.

“When the hair gets dyed Willy Wacker comes out. I’m taking that title tomorrow no matter what,” Harrison declared.

Kodua’s response was short and to the point.

“I’ve heard it all before. I’m ready, let’s go.”

Domestic title fights often produce the most competitive contests of the night and this one has all the ingredients to be another hard-fought battle.

Prospects Continue Their Development

The undercard also features a number of young fighters looking to make statements.

Ergal Elezaj weighed 261.1lbs for his heavyweight contest with Dan Garber, who came in at 227.8lbs. Garber said he was “not gonna lose” and ready to go, while Elezaj promised “an entertaining night of boxing.”

Abdul Khan weighed 125.1lbs, with Liam Fitzmaurice coming in at 126.9lbs.

Vijayraj Karia hit 115.3lbs ahead of his bout with Juan Alberto Batista, who weighed 120.2lbs.

Saqib Mehmood weighed 137.5lbs for his fight with Simas Volosinas, who came in at 130.1lbs. Mehmood told fans to tune in as he plans to “make a statement” and show what he is all about.

Derrick Osadolor came in at 253lbs for his heavyweight bout with Ryan Labourn, who weighed 217.1lbs.

Oscar McCracken weighed 146.1lbs, while Steven Wallace came in at 147.2lbs for their welterweight contest.

By Saturday night we’ll know whether Azim is a step closer to taking over, or whether Claggett has pulled off the upset he believes is waiting for him. Either way, Wembley should get its answer.

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