HUGE MAN kicks off 2025 with a chance to win a world-class belt.
On February 1, in the OVO Arena, the opponent from Kazakhstan, Sergey Lipinets, won with the score of 18-3-1 (13 KOs). And for the IBO title at 140 pounds, Ricky Hutton defended three times from June 2007 to November 2008.
Azim upset 2024, knocking out Ohara Davis 25-4 (18 KOs) in the eighth round of their fight on October 10. Davis 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 against mandatory challenger Dalton Smith, 16-0 (12 KOs). His next opponent, Harlem Eubank, 20-0 (8 KOs), faced Azim in the ring on March 31 on the Fabio Wardley-Frazier Clark card. never happened.
“My growth in my career so far has been really great,” Azim told the Toe2Toe Podcast this week.
“At the moment I’m managed and trained by the best coach (Shane McGuigan) in the UK. My last fight I did really well, a lot of people didn’t expect me to do what I did in my last fight. I brought different types. When I look at myself, I am ready for these great dogs now. Now I am ready to fight at the world level. I respect him, but there is only one winner on February 1st.
Lipinets, who won the vacant IBF bantamweight title by defeating Akihiro Kondo in November 2017, hinted that his experience could be the deciding factor when he fights Azim.
“I’m glad that Adam accepted this fight,” said the 35-year-old. “Many of the best fighters refused to meet me. I’ve never turned down a fight and it’s a make or break for me. Adam is young and strong, but he doesn’t have my experience. I saw it all, let the best man win.”
Former sparring partner Robbie Davis Jr., 24-5 (15 KOs), was the last man to fight Lipinets in May. The Liverpudlian had a good game throughout the 10-round bout, but was dropped three times before conceding points.
“I’d beat him for Robbie Davis Jr.,” Azim said.
“When I look at it, Robbie (he) knocked him down four times. There are definitely vulnerabilities. I’m a younger, fresher fighter. I don’t think he can match my speed. I’m not saying what my tactics are, but I beat him to the punch every time.”
