Azeem jabs his way to second pro win

Hamza Azeem…dictated behind a southpaw jab

RANGY super-middle Hamza Azeem used a broom stave right jab to dictate against MJ Hall – one of the busiest journeymen in the business – at Wolverhampton’s Hangar venue last night.

In an all southpaw clash, 23-year-old Azeem kept his much smaller opponent at the end of the lead to take a landslide 40-36 decision at the end of four rounds.

The Selly Oak fighter, taking part in his second pro bout, is a work in progress. He gave MJ – a man with over 100 contests under his belt – an uncomfortable night, but never looked like halting the wily veteran. Very few achieve that feat.

Hall ended the contest with blood leaking from his nose and under pressure.

Weight wise, MJ, from Brierley Hill, was well out of his comfort zone at 11st 6lbs 6oz, while Azeem seemed to have excess to shed at 11st 13lbs 12oz. He looks capable of getting down to middle.

The Birmingham boxer got the job done without fuss or drama.

By the second, he was putting punches together in clusters, grunting loudly as each shot connected. By the third, MJ was beckoning Azeem on, but fooling no one.

He was clearly rattled by a right to the body, survived the storm and – as near always – heard the final bell.

Away from the squared circle, Azeem is a thoroughly nice, grounded, individual.

In the dressing room afterwards, he said: “I was better and fitter than in my first fight, I felt more relaxed. There’s still a lot of stuff to improve on.”

Trainer Dave Clarke said: “He did OK, but it’s still a learning curve. The important thing is he wants to be a champion.”