ADAM AZIM will start 2025 with a chance to win a belt at the world level.
The undefeated super lightweight faces Kazakhstan veteran Sergey Lipinets, 18-3-1 (13 KOs), on February 1st at The OVO Arena. And up for grabs is the IBO 140lb title which Ricky Hatton defended three times between June 2007 and November 2008.
Azim ended a disappointing 2024 by knocking out Ohara Davies, 25-4 (18 KOs), in the eighth round of their October 10 fight. Davies then retired after the defeat.
Earlier in the year, criticism came the way of Azim and his promoter Ben Shalom when the 22-year-old vacated his European title instead of defending it against mandatory challenger Dalton Smith, 16-0 (12 KOs). Another of his opponents, Harlem Eubank, 20-0 (8 KOs), faced Azim in the ring during the Fabio Wardley-Frazer Clarke card on March 31. This led everyone to believe that the two would officially meet this year, but it never materialized.
“My progression in my career so far has been really great,” Azim told the Toe2Toe Podcast this week.
“I’m managed and trained by the best coach (Shane McGuigan) in the UK at the moment. My last race I performed really well, a lot of people didn’t expect me to do what I did in my last race. I brought several varieties. When I look at myself, I’m ready for those top dogs now. I’m ready to compete at the world level now. I respect him, but there’s only one winner on February 1.”
Lipinets, who won the vacant IBF super-lightweight title in November 2017 by defeating Akihiro Kondo, hinted that his experience could be a crucial factor when he fights Azim.
“I’m glad Adam accepted this fight,” said the 35-year-old. “A lot of top fighters refused to fight me. I’ve never turned down a fight and this is make or break for me. Adam is young and strong but I don’t have my experience. I’ve seen it all, may the best man win.”
Former gym teammate Robbie Davies Jr, 24-5 (15 KOs), last fought Lipinets in May. The Liverpudlian had good spells during the action-packed 10-rounder but fell three times before losing on points.
“I’ll beat him for Robbie Davies Jr,” said Azim.
“When I look at it, Robbie (he) shook him four times. There are definitely vulnerabilities. I’m a younger, fresher fighter. I don’t think it will match my speed either. I’m not going to say what my tactics are, but I’m going to beat him every time.”
