ADAM AZIM faces the sternest test of his credentials on October 19 when he faces the experienced Ohara Davies.
The two super-lightweights will top a Boxxer card at the Copper Box in London where Azim will look to extend his unbeaten record and Davies will hope to reclaim some pride after a disastrous fight last time out.
Davies, who has shared the ring with Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall, was stopped in one round by Venezuelan veteran Ismael Barroso in January. His debut for new promoters Golden Boy in Las Vegas could not have gone worse and after seeing a mandated world title shot against Rolando Romero pass him by in 2023 (due to a Romero injury) the loss to Barroso for the interim belt was humiliating.
Azim is only 11 fights into his career but picked up the European 140lb title in his 10th outing against Franck Petitjean before defending it successfully against Enock Poulsen in February. The 22-year-old now moves up a level against the heavy handed Davies who won’t match Azim for speed but still carries the type of power that Azim hasn’t encountered yet.
Earlier this year Azim had been mandated to defend his European title against Sheffield’s Dalton Smith but chose to vacate instead of making a second defence.
Fans will also wonder why Azim is not facing Harlem Eubank after the pair met for a face-off during the Fabio Wardley-Frazer Clarke card back in March. While nothing was made official there was obviously enough reason for Boxxer to bring the two together to encourage interest in a fight which is currently off the radar.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best,” said Azim ahead of the Davies fight.
“It was a great honour to win and defend the European Title but now I’m ready for my next challenge. I’ve known Ohara Davies for many years. I respect him and what he’s achieved in the sport but when we meet in the ring, he’s just another opponent and another step on my journey to the top. He’s a good fighter. I think our styles will make for an exciting fight but there’s only going to be one outcome. I’m ready to make a statement and show everybody that I’m ready for the biggest names in the division.”
“I’m excited for this fight,” said Davies.
“I like Adam Azim. I’ve known him since he was very young and it’s amazing to see his success so far in boxing. I followed him in the amateurs, and I’ve always respected him. But he isn’t a kid anymore. He’s grown into a man with massive potential. And that’s why it’s a shame that I have to hand him his first defeat. No needle, no hate, I want us to go back to our families happy and healthy after the fight. But this is where it all changes for him. I’m sorry Adam. This is where it ends.”
