Claggett entered the fray with a reputation for durability. The Canadian veteran went the distance with Teofimo Lopez in a world title fight and was rarely broken down inside the distance during a professional career that spanned 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 forced on the defensive, despite landing a handful of overhand rights of his own.
The pace picked up dramatically in the second round.
Azim repeatedly found success with the uppercut and began to connect 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 hit the count and survived to hear the bell, but he absorbed further punishment before reaching his corner.
The finish came one lap later.
Azim attacked from the first seconds of the third, mixing shots to the head and body. A right uppercut, a left to the body and a powerful left uppercut left Claggett badly injured and unable to mount meaningful resistance. Although Claggett remained on his feet, the referee stepped in to stop the match 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 will come next, but performances like this make it increasingly difficult to keep him away from big fights at 140 pounds. Domestic clashes against top contenders remain possible, while a world title route also looks set.
On this evidence, Azim looks poised for a significant step up.
Result: Adam Azim def. Steve Claggett via TKO, Round 3.
