Adam Azim stops Ohara Davies in eight to put domestic rivals on notice

A nice mature display from unbeaten 140-pounder who has Dalton and Harlem on the radar

Shortly after his eighth-round dissection of world-level gatekeeper Ohara Davies, an energetic Adam Azim briefly laid out his future plans. Names like Dalton Smith and Harlem Eubank were mentioned.

Image Credit: Sky Sports Boxing

Arm-in-arm with the man he had just conquered, Azim paid tribute to Ohara Davies, who, in turn, called for patience, urging Azim to pick up some more wins against grizzled, experienced operators before diving in head first.

While Ohara’s comments perhaps came from a good place (they were friends before and after the Copper Box beatdown), Azim, 22, will hopefully ignore the sage advice and proceed to hunt down the opponents fans want to see him fight.

In the main event itself, Azim was not far off punch-perfect. Using a rangy jab to dictate range and rhythm, springing in and out of the warzone, hand speed was a key factor as Davies struggled to keep up.

The veteran’s best chance of success came from his long-armed attacks and timing counter punches in between the younger man’s fierce assaults. With expert coach Shane McGuigan in the corner, Azim was kept suitably on track until round eight, when Davies slumped to his knees and was counted out by the referee while the towel flew in.

Ohara later hinted at retirement. Dropped in round five, with a nose gushing blood, he has been a complex character in British boxing, acting as a suitable heel on more than one occasion while courting controversy. His role as pantomime pugilist has now reached a natural end. Azim is all business and his own journey is just beginning.

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Adam Azim vs. Ohara Davies undercard

Going on after the main event wasn’t ideal for Dan Azeez, and that was the least of his worries as the Lewisham man dropped a majority decision to Lewis Edmondson for the vacant British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles.

Edmondson’s switch-hitting style is an acquired taste, but the judges found it to their liking, awarding the Southampton man his victory. Azeez was a bit one-paced throughout. Despite using a solid jab and benefitting from a round eight point deduction, he could not string together enough rounds to prevail.

The same was true for Michael McKinson, who was outhustled by South Africa’s Thulani Mbenge over 12 rounds for the IBO welterweight title. 

Anthony Yarde endured a mixed night. Dropping Ralfs Vilcans in round one signalled a simple night at the office that never materialised. Vilcans was stubborn and refused to crumble. Victor Loughlin’s 98-92 card favouring Yarde looked more comfortable than it was. 

In a battle of old London amateur rivals, Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva stopped a listless Franklin Ignatius in round six.

Fran Hennessy won her bout and Sam Hickey won his pro debut, while Shannon Courtenay was beaten in her comeback effort.

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About Steve…

Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.

Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com