"Everyone knows Steve Claggett and he has been at world level before like in that Teofimo fight," Azim said.
"He gave Lopez a good fight that night so I just have to make sure I do a better job on him and that will speak for itself."
Azim aims to move quickly up the world rankings after a scheduled January fight against Gustavo Daniel Lemos for the IBF's number two spot was cancelled due to mutual injuries.
The current number seven IBF-ranked boxer expressed disappointment regarding the previous cancellation but remains focused on immediate title goals.
"That [was] the dream scenario," Azim said.
"Lemos pulled out first and then I had to pull out because I had an injury as well.
It was quite upsetting because it would have put me in position at No. 2 and I think Lemos would have been a great fight."
The IBF recently ordered top contender Lindolfo Delgado to face Arthur Biyarslanov for the vacant title following Richardson Hitchins' move up in weight.
"I win this fight, move higher up the rankings and take that slot," Azim said.
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A future victory could also set up a domestic unification bout with WBC titleholder Dalton Smith, who defeated Subriel Matias in January.
"I could become world champion this year, hopefully that's the case.
It would mean I'd be a world champion at 24 after 16 fights which would be an incredible achievement.
