Adam Azim went head to head with undefeated Santos Reyes 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 young prodigy 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.
“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.”
WHEAT TIME IS THE AZIM VS. REYES FIGHT?
- Date: Saturday, February 11
- Main card: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 11 p.m. GMT / 6 p.m. ET
- Sky Sports will broadcast the fight in the UK, FITE TV in the US
- The main card is set to get underway at 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 11 p.m. GMT / 6 p.m. ET.
- The fight will take place at the OVO Arena Wembley, London.
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.”
AZIM VS. REYES FIGHT CARD
The full BOXXER card for Saturday February 11 on Sky Sports is as follows:
Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes
10 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight Contest
Zak Chelli vs Anthony Sims
10 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight Contest
Tyler Denny vs Brad Pauls
10 x 3 mins English Middleweight Championship
Caroline Dubois vs Feriche Mashaury
8 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest
Viddal Riley vs Anees Taj
8 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest
Jeamie TKV vs Harry Armstrong
8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest
Hassan Azim vs Abdallah Luanja
6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
Jordan Reynolds vs Mohamed Cherif Benchadi
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
Razor Ali vs Hector Lozano
4 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
