Hassan Azim steps back into the boxing ring tonight with a burning desire to reclaim lost time after enduring a gruelling period of injury and health setbacks. The fighter has competed only once in the past three years, a stark contrast to his earlier career momentum, as medical problems repeatedly derailed his progress.
A Long-Awaited Return to Action
Azim faces Sean Murray in London this evening for his ninth professional bout, marking a significant moment in his journey back to the sport. He has watched from the sidelines while his younger brother, Adam Azim, captured the spotlight in the boxing world, but now Hassan is poised to seize his own opportunity to shine.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Reflecting on his ordeal, Azim revealed the depth of his struggles. "I had a lot of problems, I had issues with my health, and I needed to take time off," he confessed. "I kept coming back but I just kept getting injured and I kept going to the hospital; I had so many problems."
He described a dark phase where his weight ballooned to 80-90kg, accompanied by numerous health issues, leading him to question if he would ever return to normal. However, a turnaround has seen him drop to 69-70kg, with Azim attributing his recovery to divine intervention and renewed focus.
"God blessed me and now I’m back at 69-70kg and I’m looking sharper than ever," he said. "My training camp’s been amazing and I’m just feeling so much better. I just believe that everything happens for a reason."
Frustrations and Fresh Determination
Azim's comeback has been hampered by repeated cancellations, with fights called off three or four times due to various issues, including contract disputes. Despite these setbacks, he remains undeterred, outlining an ambitious plan for the year ahead.
"I’m back and ready to rumble, starting off with this fight and then I'm looking to have at least five or six fights this year," he declared, emphasising his commitment to making up for lost time in the ring.
Supporting Brother Adam
One silver lining during Azim's forced hiatus was the chance to assist his brother Adam's burgeoning career. Adam was slated to headline tonight's event but withdrew due to injury, a twist that allowed Hassan to fully focus on supporting his sibling.
"Seeing Adam go through the fight weeks did make me realise I do miss it a lot," Azim admitted, noting the camaraderie of training camps and fight preparations. "But I was so happy for Adam, and the thing is, I’m the eldest brother so I look after all my siblings."
He highlighted the mutual support within their family, explaining that Adam's solo fights allowed Hassan to provide undivided attention behind the scenes. "If I was fighting on the same card as Adam I’d be worried about myself and Adam at the same time. But with just Adam fighting, it was easier for me. I could fully focus on Adam, help him do the behind-the-scenes stuff, whatever he needs me to do."
As Hassan Azim prepares for his long-awaited return, his story is one of resilience, familial loyalty, and a renewed passion for boxing, all set to unfold in London tonight.
