Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes pre-fight press conference
Photo Credit to BOXXER/Lawrence Lustig
Adam Azim (7-0, 6KO) went head to head with undefeated Santos Reyes (12-0, KO) at today’s official pre-fight press conference ahead of this Saturday night’s BOXXER Fight Night at the OVO Wembley Arena, airing live and exclusively in the UK on Sky Sports.
Saturday is significant for 20-year-old prodigy 'The Assassin' Azim, being the first time he is headlining a major British arena and the first time in his nascent professional career that he is facing an undefeated opponent in 'Starboy' Santos. Azim's previous four foes have all had winning records and the slickster from Slough stopped them all, picking up the WBC Youth Intercontinental super-lightweight title in the process.
“I’m very heavy-handed in both hands. I've got speed as well. If I put the combination together I can put on a devastating performance,” he said today.
“The pressure doesn't get to me because I've been training really hard. I'm very focused and very determined to put on a great performance. He's 12-0 so he's no joke, he's a very durable fighter. He's a good fighter and it's going to be a good one.”
The chief supporting bout on Saturday will be an intriguing clash between flashy American Anthony Sims and London's Zak Chelli.
“I'll catch him [with] a nice one and I'll put him down,” Chelli said, before telling the American: “I fight tough opponents, you fight nobodies. Good dancer… I haven't seen no aggression and that's what I'm going to bring on Saturday.”
Sims responded, "The boxing I know is beyond you. On Saturday you're going to find out. You'll be my next victim."
Another well matched contest on the bill will be Tyler Denny's English middleweight title defence against Brad Pauls.
The respect between the two was clear at Wednesday's press conference. "Tyler's established at this level," the challenger said. "It's my time to step up, take my shot and show what I'm about.
“We can both dig deep if we have to.
“I just think the styles will gel well for a good fight."
Victory should lead the winner to a shot at the British title. "There's so much to gained from this fight. My toughest opponent yet but we'll see what I'm made of," Pauls said.
“I just think I'm better," Denny said. "He obviously thinks he's better than me. We'll find out Saturday.
“I think it's going to be fight of the night. We both come to win, we're both hungry fighters.
“He's an entertaining fighter, my last three fights have been entertaining fights. It's got fireworks written all over it."
In contrast the animosity between Viddal Riley and his opponent on Saturday Anees Taj was instantly apparent.
“I don't think he's my toughest opponent," Riley said, a comment Taj reacted to at once.
“I know you're coming to win," Riley continued. "It's scheduled for eight, it's my first eight-rounder. But I don't think I'll do eight on Saturday."
“Of course you won't," Taj interrupted again, "because you'll get stopped within six. I know I'm in your head."
Riley gave no indication of doubt though. "My prediction," he insisted, "is that you don't see round four."
The full BOXXER card on Sky Sports:
Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes
10 x 3 International Super-Lightweight Contest
Zak Chelli vs Anthony Sims
10 x 3 International Super-Middleweight Contest
Tyler Denny vs Brad Pauls
10 x 3 English Middleweight Championship
Caroline Dubois vs Feriche Mashaury
8 x 3 Lightweight Contest
Viddal Riley vs Anees Taj
8 x 3 Cruiserweight Contest
Jeamie TKV vs Harry Armstrong
8 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Hassan Azim vs Abdallah Luanja
6 x 3 Welterweight Contest
Jordan Reynolds vs Mohamed Cherif Benchadi
6 x 3 Super-Middleweight Contest
Razor Ali vs Hector Lozano
4 x 3 Featherweight Contest
