When Adam Azim steps into the ring against his domestic super-lightweight rival, Harlem Eubank, he will confront the most significant challenge of his career.
Last night at London’s O2 Arena, the two opponents faced each other in the ring before the Fabio Wardley-Frazer Clarke main event. However, there was no confirmation from Azim’s promoter Ben Shalom or their broadcast partner Sky Sports regarding the official announcement of the fight.
During their face-off, Azim confidently stated, “I am prepared and this is exactly what I desired. Although he may be a Eubank, I am an Azim. A takeover by the Azim family is imminent.”
Eubank stated that he does not think that he wants it, despite his team’s evident desire and excitement.
After last night’s heavyweight slugfest between Wardley and Clarke Boxing News caught up with Azim’s trainer Shane McGuigan to get some clarification.
“He disclosed that it’s completed, it’s officially approved, and it’s meticulously arranged. We are simply awaiting the announcement of the location and the date, but the fight is undeniably confirmed.”
The photo featured is of Harlem Eubank, taken by Alex Davidson/Getty Images.
Eubank has shown steady growth as a fighter and has emerged victorious against experienced veterans Viorel Simion and Sean Dodd in his career. However, in November 2022, he raised the bar and faced a tougher challenge, defeating Tom Farrell by decision at York Hall. In his most recent bout, the undefeated 30-year-old from Brighton, impressively halted Timo Schwarzkopf in the 11th round to claim a lesser WBO title.
Azim, hailing from Slough, has recently gained attention in the boxing world due to his intensifying feud with Dalton Smith. In November, Azim claimed victory over seasoned French boxer Franck Petitjean to secure the European 140lb title. Furthermore, on February 23, Azim valiantly defended his championship belt against Enock Poulsen, who unfortunately withdrew from the match in the fifth round due to a shoulder injury.
It seems that his next title defense might be against Sheffield’s Smith. The European Boxing Union has requested purse bids for an Azim-Smith match and has set a deadline for this Wednesday (April 3) at 11am UK time.
Recently, Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Smith, made it clear to the media that Azim would not be defending the title against Smith. On March 23, Smith, under Hearn’s guidance, made an impressive move to the world level by defeating 34-year-old Mexican and former world title challenger Jose Zepeda with a powerful body shot in the fifth round, much to the delight of his hometown supporters in the Steel City.