Azim is most talented fighter I've trained - McGuigan

ByKal Sajad

BBC Sport boxing journalist

Trainer Shane McGuigan says Adam Azim is the most talented boxer he has worked with and would be "shocked" if the unbeaten Briton failed to become a world champion.

Light-welterweight Azim, 23, will face experienced Canadian Steve Claggett at Wembley Arena on Saturday, live on BBC Two.

Long touted as a future star of British boxing, Azim is unbeaten in 14 professional fights, with 11 wins coming by knockout.

"I've worked with many world champions and this guy superseeds them all in terms of ability," said McGugian, who has trained the likes or Carl Frampton, Josh Taylor, George Groves and Ellie Scotney.

"If he doesn't become a world champion I would be incredibly shocked."

Azim - never really one to engage in war of words – promised to put on a "clinical performance" as the fighters came together at Thursday's news conference.

"[Claggett] doesn't realise my gas tank is probably better than his gas tank. I'm telling you right now, I'm the fittest guy in a boxing ring. You're not going to get anyone fitter than me," he added.

Canadian Claggett has lost eight times in 50 professional fights but went the distance with Teofimo Lopez when challenging for the WBO world title two years ago.

The 36-year-old kept his answers short and to the point. "I came here with one job and I plan on seeing it all the way through," he said. "I put my whole life into this game and I'm ready to show it on fight night."

There was a bit of a verbal exchange during a 50-second face-off before the headliners shook hands and parted ways.

Azim's blistering hand speed and sharp combinations have marked him out as a standout prospect in British boxing.

He is currently ranked seventh with both the IBF and WBO and had been scheduled to face Gustavo Lemos in January before an injury forced the fight to be cancelled.

American Richardson Hitchins has recently vacated his IBF belt following a move up in weight and his signing with Zuffa Boxing.

Following that decision, the IBF has ordered number one challenger Mexico's Lindolfo Delgado to face Canada-based Russian Arthur Biyarslano for the vacant title.

Promoter Ben Shalom said a "statement win" on Saturday could land Azim a shot against the winner.

"We believe he can become a world champion this year and it doesn't happen without a win on Saturday night," Boxxer's Shalom said.

"This is the biggest fight. This is the one before we believe he will fight for a world title.

"This is his toughest test against a guy in great form, coming off two knockout wins who has a lot more experience than Adam, and he's going to really stick it on him."

You can watch all the undercard action from 18:30 BST before the main card kicks off at 20:30.

From 20:00, you can also follow live text commentary on BBC Sport website and app.

From 18:30 on BBC iPlayer:

Joel Kodua v Will Harrison (welterweight)

Ergal Elezaj v Dan Garber (heavyweight)

Saqib Mehmood v Simas Volosinas (lightweight)

From 20:30 on BBC Two:

Adam Azim v Steve Claggett (light-welterweight)

Francesca Hennessy v Aurora De Persio (bantamweight)