Shane McGuigan says Steve Claggett was chosen for Adam Azim because he can give the unbeaten junior welterweight exactly the kind of hard rounds he needs before moving toward a world title. Azim faces Claggett this Saturday at Wembley Arena, with McGuigan viewing the Canadian veteran as a durable, high-pressure opponent who can test Azim in ways he has not yet seen.
Claggett is 36 and has already fought for a world title, going the distance with Teofimo Lopez in 2024. He has also won twice since then and has not been stopped in 15 years, which is exactly why McGuigan wanted him. “Steve Claggett, this is his 51st fight coming up and he hasn’t been stopped in 15 years,” McGuigan said. “He’s durable, he’s going to set a high pace, he’s everything that Adam needs before going into world level.”
Azim is still expected to win, but Claggett insists he is not coming to London just to play the opponent. “I put my whole life into this game and I’m ready to show it on fight night,” he said. “He’s very good. He’s sharp, he’s fast but every fight is a new fight - we’ve prepared for the very best version of him.”
Azim believes his engine will be one of the key differences. “What he doesn’t know is that my gas tank is better than his gas tank,” Azim said. “I’ve just got to be myself, put in a cool and clinical performance. If the stoppage comes, then great.”
McGuigan says the goal is clear after Saturday: a world title fight. Dalton Smith remains one of the big names around Azim, but first the 24-year-old has to prove he can handle Claggett’s pace, toughness and experience. As McGuigan put it, matching at this level is “always a risky business,” but he is confident Azim is ready.
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