Adam Azim will step into the ring against Kazakhstan’s Sergey Lipinets on February 1 in London. The 22-year-old British junior welterweight sensation is coming off an eighth-round stoppage victory over Ohara Davies in October and is ready to take on what many consider his toughest challenge yet.
Lipinets, 35, boasts a record of 17-3-1, 13 KOs, and has faced top-tier opponents such as Mikey Garcia, Jaron Ennis, and Michel Rivera. While his fight with Ennis was at welterweight, the matchup with Azim will take place at junior welterweight, where Azim currently reigns as European champion.
Watch Azim vs. Davies highlights: Watch
The bout continues the aggressive matchmaking strategy that has defined Azim’s career, as his team looks to push him closer to world-level contention. Trainer Shane McGuigan emphasized the importance of exposing Azim to high-caliber opponents, saying, “When you go into a big fight - a 50-50 fight - you’ve got to get guys that are relevant and want to talk it. That’s how you build experience.”
The February card may also feature a cruiserweight clash between Viddal Riley and Isaac Chamberlain, provided Riley gets past Steve Eloundou Ntere on December 14.
Read more about Adam Azim here.
Image Credit: Sky Sports