Boxing super prospect Adam Azim talks growing up idolising Amir Khan, his world title plans and who he thinks will win the Chris Eubank vs Liam Smith rematch, as he prepares to face Aram Fanyan on Saturday

Despite being one of the most hyped players in recent British boxing history, Adam Azim is taking the pressure off.

The 21-year-old was hailed as a future star even before his professional debut in 2020, and was named ‘the brightest talent in British boxing’ by promoter Ben Shalom last year.

However, his recent success comes as no surprise to Azim.

When he first entered the ring at just four years old, the light welterweight was blessed with an early sparring partner in the form of his older brother Hassan, who has also embarked on an undefeated career as a professional.

“It was quite competitive. We argued about the TV remote or something like that.’ told Azim Mailsport.

The light welterweight has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s top prospects

The 21-year-old (left) will face 23-1 IBO International Champion Aram Fanyan (right) in Manchester on Saturday night at the Smith vs Eubank Jnr II event

“If we had a fight at home, we would eventually go to the backyard for a sparring session.

“I do say I won some rounds, not most rounds, but some rounds (laughs), but it would be a 50-50 spar.”

The pair grew up watching Amir Khan, the Athens Olympic silver medalist who went on to become the first and to date only British fighter of Pakistani descent to win a world squared circle title.

Azim explained that Khan’s performance set a benchmark for the young boxers in his community, adding that he hopes to replicate the former unified light welterweight champion’s achievements on the world stage.

“When I see Amir Khan, with all he has achieved as the only British-Pakistani world champion, hopefully I will be next, and there will be more British-Pakistani boxers too.

“There is a lot of talent coming in and all of us coming forward in the British-Pakistani community. We all want to live up to Amir Khan.

“He did it, so it’s something very important for all of us, because we want to be like him and be world champions.”

Azim emerged as a fast-growing draw in just eight career fights and was set to headline the BOXXER Fight Night bill at York Hall in June against IBO International Champion Aram Fanyan.

Azim added that he and his brother Hassan grew up idolizing Olympic medalist Amir Khan

Khan became the first British Pakistani boxer to win a world title when he defeated Andreas Kotelnik in 2009

Just two days before he was due to take over the ring, the Assassin was forced to pull out of the fight after suffering an infection in his hand when he suffered a cut on the knuckle during training.

“It was very depressing when I had to withdraw because of my hand. Obviously I was in pain,” he said.

“When I was sparring, every time I shot with my left hand it hurt, so it’s just a shame, but everything happens for a reason and the recovery process went really well.”

Although the main fight was canceled, the match was rescheduled and Azim will now take on the 23-1 Ukrainian on an even bigger stage, fighting on the pay-per-view card of the highly anticipated rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jnr on Saturday night.

Despite being significantly more prominent than most other boxers in less than three years of their professional careers, Azim insisted that nerves played no part in his in-ring performance.

“I thrive with all the pressure on me.” He continued.

“I don’t necessarily feel the pressure because I know that if I train hard and have no distractions and people keep talking about me, there’s no reason to feel pressure.

Azim tipped Liam Smith to once again beat Chris Eubank Jnr in their rematch on Saturday

The former world champion scored a fourth-round KO when they first met in January

“I’ve done all my work in the gym, so when it comes to having all eyes on me, I just take it in and use it as motivation.”

When asked who he thinks will emerge victorious in Saturday’s main event at the AO Arena in Manchester, Azim Smith tipped to repeat his success from the first fight and emerge victorious.

“It’s just a great fight for the fans, obviously number two. When you look at it, a lot of people will gravitate towards Liam Smith and I’d say he can do it again.

“Obviously I’ve seen Eubank switch coaches late in the camp recently and you can’t really learn much (by doing that).

“Have a transfer to a new trainer in your camp. It doesn’t necessarily help, so I think Liam Smith can win by knockout again.’