‘I’m looking to stop Woolridge in title fight’, vows Azeem

Hamza Azeem…Midlands title shot. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

THERE are those – the fighter and his trainer Peter Hickenbottom are not among them, I must stress – already planning the parties after Ryan Woolridge’s title fight.

There are those who even consider it something of a given that the wildly popular light-middle will have the Midlands light-middleweight belt strapped around his waist at Wolverhampton’s Aldersley Stadium on October 17. BCB promote.

Frankly, I think that’s a little naïve. Opponent Hamza Azeem, who he faces over 10 rounds for the vacant title, is no slouch. He’s tricky, has 10 round experience and should not be taken lightly.

He’s unpredictable, can blow hot and cold, but when hot he’s a handful. It’s the stiffest test of Woolridge’s 14-0 career to date.

The Bloxwich 25-year-old will generate the noise on fight night, Hamza, from Kings Heath, aims to silence Ryan’s army of followers.

“I’m looking for the stoppage,” Hamza, aged 26, told me. “I have to make a statement, I’m looking for a stoppage.”

Hamza is one of the most improved performers in the business. He looked below peak condition and sluggish in early outing, yet has developed into a solid, capable pro.

He took thunderous punching Aussie the full six rounds in Riyadh last year. In July he faced Eithan James in his hometown of Northampton and dropped a 10 round decision for the Commonwealth International crown. Those are the only defeats in 11 outings.

“I let his experience get to me,” Hamza said of the James performance. “That’s why I fell short, I started late, I’ve taken a lot of positives from that fight.”

This time Azeem insists he’s the one with the greater ring wisdom. “He (Wooldridge) hasn’t fought anyone,” he insisted. “It’s his first 10 rounder, but I’m not looking past him. I boxed in Saudi, I fought for a Commonwealth belt. It’s a good, even match-up and a great fight.

“I have spoken to him, he’s a good lad – when we’re on the same shows he always says hello. It’s boxing and I’m going to be the winner, God willing.”

Woolridge is taller, though Azeem’s also a lofty light-middle at six foot, has had more contests and will have the crowd solidly behind him. What’s more, he’ll be the first southpaw Hamza has faced in the pros.

“I’ve never struggled with a southpaw in sparring,” Azeem said. “He’s going to bring a bigger noise, I’m fighting in his backyard. I fought in Eithan James’ backyard, it won’t bother me.

“On the night the quickness is going to be there, the footwork is going to be there. You can’t buy experience and I think the experience will collapse on him.”

Azeem added: “They can write me off – you’ll always get haters, that doesn’t bother me. When my hand’s raised (in victory), God willing, they’re not going to say anything. There can be no excuses, I have to make a statement.”

Woolridge’s barmy army have been warned: Hamza’s out to rain on their parade.