Claggett entered the fight with a reputation for durability. The Canadian veteran had gone the distance with Teofimo Lopez in a world title fight and had rarely been broken down inside the distance during a professional career that stretched across nearly 50 fights.
Azim made sure this one never became a battle of attrition.
The 23-year-old started quickly in the opening round, snapping Claggett’s head back with sharp jabs and right uppercuts. A series of clean body shots helped establish control early, and Claggett was already being forced onto the defensive despite landing a handful of overhand rights of his own.
The pace increased dramatically in the second round.
Azim found success repeatedly with the uppercut and began connecting with heavier shots as Claggett struggled to deal with the speed difference. A right hand sent the veteran to the canvas midway through the round. Claggett beat the count and survived to hear the bell, but he absorbed further punishment before reaching his corner.
The finish came one round later.
Azim attacked from the opening seconds of the third, mixing shots to the head and body. A right hook upstairs, a left to the body and a powerful left uppercut left Claggett badly hurt and unable to mount meaningful resistance. Although Claggett remained on his feet, the referee stepped in to halt the contest before additional damage could be done.
The victory gives Azim one of the strongest wins of his career and continues the rapid rise of one of Britain’s most highly regarded young fighters.
Questions remain about who comes next, but performances like this are making it increasingly difficult to keep him away from major fights at 140 pounds. Domestic clashes against leading contenders remain possible, while a world title route also appears to be opening.
On this evidence, Azim looks ready for a significant step up.
Result: Adam Azim def. Steve Claggett via TKO, Round 3.
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