Hassan Azim returned to the ring with authority on 31 January 2026, halting Sean Murray in the fifth round at the Copper Box Arena in London and reminding everyone in attendance that his reputation for concussive finishing power is well earned.

Fighting at light-middleweight, both men came in close to the 154lb limit, with Azim looking sharp despite a lengthy spell of frustration outside the ropes. It had been almost a year since he last boxed, a period marked by cancelled bouts and stalled momentum, but there was little sign of rust once the opening bell sounded.

From the first round, Azim established himself as the sharper operator. He controlled the centre of the ring, firing straight shots down the middle and using quick footwork to create angles. Murray, to his credit, did not arrive to make up the numbers. The Irishman pressed forward, trying to turn the contest into a physical exchange and testing Azim’s resolve with steady output.

The second and third rounds were competitive, with Murray enjoying moments of success as he pushed Azim back and landed solid shots of his own. However, the cleaner, more telling work consistently came from Azim, whose right hand repeatedly split the guard. His speed advantage was clear, and when he let combinations flow, Murray was forced onto the defensive.

As the fight moved into the fourth, the tide began to turn decisively. Azim started investing heavily to the body, digging hooks into the ribs and taking the sting out of Murray’s forward march. The tempo remained high, but Murray’s movement slowed just enough for Azim to capitalise.

The end came in the fifth round. A sustained spell of pressure from Azim saw Murray backed towards the ropes, where a series of crisp uppercuts and hooks snapped his head back and left him struggling to respond. With Murray no longer able to defend himself intelligently, the referee stepped in at 2:52 of the round to bring the contest to a halt, awarding Azim a well-deserved technical knockout victory.

It was a statement performance from the undefeated prospect, who had clearly been eager to make up for lost time. The stoppage was particularly impressive given Murray’s durability and willingness to trade throughout the bout.

This win builds neatly on Azim’s previous outing, when he boxed at Wembley Arena in February 2025 and collected a points victory over Jensen Irving in a four-round contest. That night was about ring time and control; this time, it was about dominance and finishing instincts.

For those ringside, it was an absorbing clash that showcased ambition from both corners, but ultimately highlighted the difference in class when it mattered most. Hassan Azim’s blend of speed, accuracy and power proved too much for Sean Murray, bringing a compelling contest to an emphatic conclusion and marking a successful return to action for the Londoner.