Birmingham’s Hamza Azeem took his record to five without defeat at the H-Suite Edgbaston (16.02.24). The show was called Collision Course with the main event being a ten round Welterweight Midlands area contest between James Scarrots and Jamie Stuart. The twenty-four-year-old southpaw was taking on debutant Shane Smith in a four round middleweight contest. Azeem weighed in eleven stone seven with Smith coming in eleven stone one with Ryan Churchill refereeing the contest and Chris Dean judging.
Azeem started strong using his jab well as he took the centre of the ring, Smith covered up well as Azeem started to let nice combinations go winning the round. Smith came out strong in the second but was met by some fast combinations and great movement from Azeem who continued to let his hands go, but Smith did have his moments but Azeem won the round.
Smith continued to press but Azeem picked his shots well and let some fast combinations go, Smith again had his moments but Azeem won the round. Bit of a frantic start to the final round as both fighters tried to land big shots, Azeem used his southpaw jab well to control the round but Smith had joy when he stepped in with fast combinations sharing the round.
Judge Chris Dean scored it 39 to 37 Azeem, I had it 40 to 37 Azeem.
Dexter’s Thoughts
Great performance by Azeem who showcased some great skill and determination to beat a very game fighter. Azeem showed great movement and shot picking putting nice combinations together. This performance was much better than his last one when he struggled against a journeyman who came to hold an frustrate him. This was a much better performance as Azeem got to use his boxing and was very impressive. I look forward to see him in the ring again vet soon.