Adam Azim is determined to become a household name on the BBC before making his mark in Hollywood. The 24-year-old boxer returns to the ring tonight to face Steve Claggett in his debut appearance for the national broadcaster. The London bout marks only Azim's second fight in 15 months, following frustrating periods of inactivity. He was scheduled to return in January against Gustavo Lemos, but the fight was cancelled after both men sustained injuries during training.
Last year, Azim fought just once after opponent Eliot Chavez was pulled from their meeting hours before the opening bell. The softly-spoken super-lightweight is regarded as one of Britain's most promising talents, yet he rarely boasts about his abilities. Tonight, he has the opportunity to remind a vast audience of his star quality.
Azim has taken acting classes to boost his confidence, and he doesn't have to look far for guidance—his actress wife, Duaa Karim, has already appeared on television. Karim starred in the BBC series Man Like Mobeen as the younger sister of the reformed drug dealer protagonist. Azim remarked: "I've already watched my wife on the BBC, so now it's her turn. She's also been a presenter, so now we can both say we've been on the channel—though she definitely beat me to it! She has been an actress since she was 15, and we've supported each other in our careers."
He added: "My wife helped me with my lines when I did acting classes earlier this year. I did six lessons after my dad said it would help with my confidence. I didn't have to do anything embarrassing; I actually felt comfortable." While Azim would relish a role in a TV drama, he has his sights set on Hollywood. "It's going to be really good being on the BBC with millions of people watching. Prince Naseem fought on there, so did Barry McGuigan and Amir Khan; so it's good to get my name out there. One day I'll be retired from boxing, and maybe later when I'm in my 30s I could be an actor myself. I would like to be in a TV show, but the part I would really want to play is Spider-Man. I've watched all the films and really like the characters and the storylines. I made my wife watch them too, and I'm planning to go to the premiere of the new one in the summer."
