ADAM AZIM will start his 2025 year with a chance to win a belt at the fringe world level.
The undefeated super lightweight takes on Kazakhstan veteran Sergej Lipinets, 18-3-1 (13 KOs), on February 1st at the OVO Arena. And up for grabs is the IBO 140-pound title that Ricky Hutton defended three times between June 2007 and November 2008.
Azim ended a frustrating 2024 by knocking out Ohar Davies 25-4 (18 KOs) in the eighth round of their match on October 10. Davis later retired after the loss.
Earlier this 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 rivals, 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 development in my career so far has been really great,” Azim told the Toe2Toe Podcast this week.
“I’m currently being managed and trained by the best coach (Shane McGuigan) in the UK. In the last fight I played really well, a lot of people didn’t expect me to do what I did in my last fight. I brought different varieties. When I look at myself, I am now ready for these top dogs. Now I am ready to fight at the world level. I have respect for him, but there is only one winner on February 1.”
Lipinec, who won the vacant IBF super-lightweight title by defeating Akihiro Kondo in November 2017, hinted that his experience could be a deciding factor when he fights Azim.
“I’m glad Adam took this fight,” said the 35-year-old. “Many top fighters refused to face me.” I’ve never turned down a fight, and this one is make or break for me. Adam is young and strong, but he doesn’t have my experience. I’ve seen it all, may the best win.”
Former gym mate Robbie Davies Jr, 24-5 (15 KOs), was the last man to fight Lipinec back in May. The Liverpudlian had good spells during the action-packed 10 rounds but fell three times before losing on points.
“I’ll beat him for Robbie Davis Jr.,” Azim declared.
“When I look, Robbie (he) swung it four times. There are definitely vulnerabilities. I am a younger, fresher fighter. I don’t think he’ll be up to my speed either. I won’t say what my tactics are, but I will beat him to the end every time.”