Former European super-lightweight champion Adam Azim will fight fellow Brit Ohara Davies at The Copper Box Arena on October 19, it was confirmed this afternoon (September 5).
Davies, a former British and Commonwealth Champion, was earlier in the week denying any knowledge of this fight, but that it turned out was simply an attempt to keep things under wraps. Now, having failed on that count, Davies will attempt to rebound as best he can from the first-round defeat he suffered in January against Ismael Barroso and derail Adam Azim’s plans in the process.
“I’m excited for this fight,” Davies, 25-3 (18), said. “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.”
Azim, the hot favourite, is currently 11-0 (8) as a pro and won his old European title with 10th-round stoppage of Frank Petitjean in 2023. He has since defended that belt once, against Enock Poulsen in February, before choosing to relinquish it a few months ago.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best,” said Azim. “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.”
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