Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
BRITISH boxer Amir Khan has said that Adam and Hassan Azim can emulate his success by becoming world champions.
"Brilliant guys, very respectful, and I do believe they will win world titles. They are "explosive and powerful" contenders who can fulfil their own ambitions of becoming "exciting" new world champions," Khan told Sky Sports.
Adam Azim after his victory against Stu Greener at Wembley Arena. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Adam, 19, floored Stu Greener twice in a second-round stoppage victory, while older brother Hassan, 21, made a sensational professional debut with a one-punch knockout of Ivan Njegac.
Even while preparing for his massive next bout, Khan kept a watchful eye on the Azim brothers and believes they can also succeed at the highest level.
His long-awaited grudge fight against Kell Brook will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office on February 19.
"I'm a big fan of both Adam and Hassan. I think they're both brilliant fighters. They've got good speed and they're tall, rangy fighters, but they still like to mix it. I saw one of the fights and they love pressure fighting. It's what fans want to see. They want to see an exciting fight. What the Azim brothers are giving is exciting fights. I really believe they will go far," the British star told Sky Sports.
"Looking at the number of Asian boxers who have now come into boxing since I've come back from the Olympics and I won a world title, I think it's amazing to see that. It's not only that they want to be there fighting, they want to become world champions, which is amazing to see.
"It makes me happy that I opened the door for them to say, 'If Amir Khan can do it, we can do it'."
Khan has offered words of guidance to the brothers as they continue their promising careers.
"What I learnt is, be your own boss and you have to stay focused throughout. You're going to get a lot of attention and a lot of money is going to come to them on the table as well. It's all about staying focused and just staying dedicated to the sport, because as soon as you lose your eye on the sport, things go wrong," Khan said.
"I've seen it happen. I've won fights, I've lost fights. Every time I've had a loss, I know why that loss happened. I blame myself for it. The last 16, 17 years have gone so quick in my boxing professional career. Time goes quick and just don't mess it up that way. There's a lot of distractions out there."
According to BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom, Adam Azim could be the next British-Pakistani world champion.
"He has everything - speed, power and he also has a following. It is going to be exciting to see him grow. He is only 19 but is already doing six-rounders. This is a special talent. One for the future," Shalom was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
Hassan delivered a knockout victory in under a minute on his pro debut.
Debt interest payments rose to £9.7bn, up £3.8bn from a year earlier.
Borrowing for the first six months of the financial year hit £99.8bn.
Public sector debt now stands at around 95.3% of GDP.
UK GOVERNMENT borrowing in September reached £20.2bn, the highest September total in five years, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
That was up £1.6bn from September last year. Higher debt interest payments offset increased receipts from taxes and national insurance, the ONS said.
Borrowing over the first six months of the financial year stood at £99.8bn, up £11.5bn from the same period last year.
September’s figure was slightly below some analysts’ expectations of £20.8bn but just above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March projection of £20.1bn.
The government paid £9.7bn in debt interest in September, up £3.8bn from a year earlier. Public sector debt is estimated at 95.3% of GDP.
Capital Economics chief economist Paul Dales told the BBC’s Today programme the chancellor would "love tax receipts to be higher" but that it would depend on faster growth in the economy.
Capital Economics projects the government will need to raise £27bn in the Budget, with "higher taxes on households having to do the heavy lifting". Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said the government would "never play fast and loose with the public finances" and aims to reduce borrowing to cut "costly debt interest, instead putting that money into our NHS, schools and police".
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said borrowing was "soaring under this Labour government" and that "Rachel Reeves has lost control of the public finances and the next generation are being saddled with Labour's debts."
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