Adam Azim beats Ohara Davies with eighth-round knockout

LONDON — Adam Azim’s march up the junior welterweight ranks continued on Saturday as he beat Ohara Davies through knockout in London.

At simply 22 years previous, it is one other spectacular victory for Azim in opposition to a veteran opponent.

Davies, 33, mentioned the bout would probably be his final, telling Sky Sports activities: “I am match. I’ve nonetheless acquired my schools. I feel this is likely to be the tip of my boxing profession and I am glad it was in opposition to Adam Azim.”

Azim (12-0, 9 KOs) scored a knockdown in Spherical 5 as Davies took a knee after a shot to the physique. After taking an increasing number of punishment because the combat went on, Davies (25-4, 18 KOs) was floored once more in Spherical 8, this time with a left hand to the pinnacle. He could not beat the rely as Azim stormed to a different commanding win.

Azim regarded to get on the entrance foot early, shortly making use of his vicious left hand that has been the undoing of so many earlier opponents in his quick skilled profession.

By Spherical 4, he was beginning to construct some good combos, though he could not wipe the smile from the face of a spirited Davies.

Nonetheless, Azim remained composed, working nicely behind his jab and selecting his moments properly.

Whereas in the long run a snug win, the combat was a major step up for Azim in opposition to an opponent 10 years his senior. Davies has loads of expertise and has shared the ring with the likes of Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall.

A combat with fellow unbeaten countryman Dalton Smith has lengthy been mooted, however Azim mentioned he’ll take it when the time is true.

“He is simply in a rush. I do not concern any combat, it could be good if it should be a primary occasion,” Azim mentioned. “Once I do combat him, I’ll educate him a lesson. I am sick and bored with him speaking about me … it should be harmful for him.”

Promoter Ben Shalom echoed his fighter’s sentiments, saying: “Adam Azim does not want anybody. He will have loads of fighters calling him out. He is the large identify, I imagine, within the division on this nation. Everybody’s going to need that massive combat, however we’ll take it when it is proper for us.”

On the undercard, former gentle heavyweight world title challenger Anthony Yarde beat Ralfs Vilcans on factors, 98-92.

It regarded as if it could be a fast end after Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs) floored his opponent within the opening seconds, however the Londoner could not capitalise. Vilcans (17-1, 7 KOs) recovered nicely and had his fair proportion of moments within the combat.