Adam Azim (Left) and Harlem Eubank Meet At The O2 In London To Reveal Focused June Conflict.
A promise was saved with an replace on Adam Azim’s subsequent combat versus a fellow unbeaten Brit.
It simply wasn’t the transfer that was anticipated. Or maybe, it was.
BOXXER revealed on Sunday that Azim is now in superior talks for a showdown with Harlem Eubank. Their all-British conflict between undefeated 140-pounders is focused to happen someday in June.
Each boxers shared the ring on Sunday through the Fabio Wardley-Frazer Clarke headlined Sky Sports activities/Peacock present at London’s The O2. Azim (11-0, 8 knockouts) was accompanied by supervisor and Corridor of Fame former featherweight champion Barry McGuigan. Eubank (19-0, 8 KOs) was accompanied by uncle and former two-division titlist Chris Eubank Sr.
“I’m prepared,” Azim insisted through the in-ring interview. “That is what I needed. He could also be a Eubank, however I’m an Azim.
“It’s going to be an Azim takeover.”
What the bout might not characterize, nonetheless, is an extension of Azim’s European (EBU) title reign.
A handbag bid listening to is because of happen Wednesday to find out promotional rights for Azim’s ordered title protection versus Dalton Smith (16-0, 12 KOs). Azim and Smith had been additionally ordered to fulfill for the British junior welterweight title.
The purse bid course of was delayed to permit time for Smith’s already scheduled March 23 date with former title challenger Jose Zepeda.
Smith gained by way of fifth-round knockout at Utilita Enviornment in his Sheffield hometown. The quick post-fight speak zeroed in on this very matchup.
“I don’t name many names out,” famous Smith, proper earlier than he broke that rule. “However I obtained one title. Adam Azim, the place are you at?
“There’s one motive Adam hasn’t vacated that title. It’s as a result of he thought I used to be gonna lose. However what? I guess he vacates now.”
It might seemingly the case if Azim and Eubank transfer ahead with their conflict, until Smith willingly stands down.
Azim gained the European title in a tenth-round stoppage over Franck Petitjean final November 18 in Wolverhampton. The Shane McGuigan-trained boxer defended the belt in a fifth-round stoppage of unbeaten Enock Poulsen on February 3 at OVO Enviornment Wembley.
Each fighters have loved their share of fanfare. Nevertheless, Azim is a possible contender on the rise whereas Eubank’s noteriety has come extra by means of familial bloodlines.
This explicit matchup will characterize a major step-up in school for Eubank. He has not fought since a November 10 tenth-round stoppage of Germany’s Timo Schwarzkopf in his Brighton hometown.
Nonetheless, Eubank is the one who’s unconvinced that Azim was anticipating this combat, both. The 30-year-old Brighton native insisted that Azim’s hand was being pressured within the matter.
“I don’t consider he desires it,” stated Eubank. “His crew clearly need it; his crew are clearly excited however I do know he doesn’t need it.”
As soon as finalized, the bout is anticipated to land on an enormous BOXXER present eyed for June 15. WBO cruiserweight titlist and Ring No. 2-rated Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs will defend versus unbeaten countryman Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs), No. 5 at 200. One other focused bout is Joshua Buatsi-Anthony Yarde in an all-UK mild heavyweight battle.
Jake Donovan is a senior author for The Ring and vice chairman of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America.
Observe @JakeNDaBox
