Steve Claggett may already have 8 losses on his record, which makes his name less appealing to fans when a big fight is announced. But we can guarantee one thing: the fans at Wembley are going to love “The Dragon” from the first to the very last minute of the fight.
As we know, the United Kingdom is a country where fans eat boxing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And they love supporting their local fighters.
Adam Azim, one of their young prospects, now has 14 wins. But his next challenge will likely be the biggest of his career. Still, reactions on social media suggest that fans think it will be a walk in the park, as English speakers say, when Azim steps into the ring with Claggett.
And that is explained first and foremost by the fact that Claggett has an unappealing record. With 8 losses on his record, it’s normal that people think he is worse than he actually is. Especially in a sport where the famous “0” in the loss column is so highly valued.
Photo: ESPN – Adam Azim (right)
But fans will quickly be proven wrong. Claggett has a very “fan-friendly” style. He applies pressure from the sound of the first bell and he won’t stop until he hears the final bell.
The same story against Teofimo Lopez
When Claggett faced Teofimo Lopez in June 2024, many had the same reaction. They wondered why the champion was defending his belt against a boxer who had lost so many fights.
Granted, Steve did not win that fight, but he earned respect by the end of it. And even though the judges’ scorecards made it look like a one-sided fight, it was extremely competitive.
Steve landed good combinations on Teofimo and never stopped moving forward. If you saw the champion’s face at the end of the fight, you know what we mean.
And Steve said it himself, that night he got a taste of what it takes to become a world champion. He was so close he could almost touch it.
Photo: ESPN – Steve Claggett vs Teofimo Lopez (left)
Claggett vs. Azim
So why is this the ultimate opportunity for Claggett on May 30?
Aside from his 8 losses, Steve is now 36 years old. He is not getting any younger, and we know age is not on an athlete’s side.
The Dragon has had the best moments of his career since joining the Eye of the Tiger camp. But if he wants another shot at a world title fight, he will need to win on May 30.
And it won’t be easy. We know that winning in hostile territory, especially in the United Kingdom, is very difficult.
Azim will certainly have the advantage; there’s a reason bookmakers see him as a heavy favorite. But what would boxing be without those underdog stories that shock everyone?
However, Steve Claggett is an experienced boxer who has all the tools to beat anyone. And that’s the beauty of this sport: surprises happen all the time.
Photo: Vitor Munhoz – Steve Claggett
And that works in Claggett’s favor—he has done it his whole career. He has shocked everyone on multiple occasions, and that is what has allowed him to have such a long career.
If Steve goes to Wembley and defeats Adam Azim, a young boxer seen by many as a future star, he will almost certainly earn an even bigger fight.
Possibly even a second world title shot.
