Junior welterweight prospect Adam Azim takes another step-up boxing’s ladder on February 1 when he takes on former IBF champion Sergey Lipinets.
BoxingScene first reported the bout yesterday but it was confirmed today that former European champion Azim, 22, who scored an eighth-round victory over Ohara Davies in October, will top the bill at the Wembley Arena.
“This fight is another step up for me,” said Azim. “I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with a great fighter like Sergey Lipinets. He is a former world champion. He has fought some of the biggest names out there. I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s achieved in the sport, but it’s my time now. This is a chance for me to show that I belong at world level and that I’m ready to face the best. Lipinets has had a great career but on February 1st, he’s standing in my way, this is the next step of my journey, and nothing is going to stop me from achieving my dreams.”
Fast-handed Azim is 12-0 (9 KOs), while Kazakh Lipinets is 18-3-1 (13 KOs) and has notched victories over Lamont Peterson and Omar Figueroa.
“I’m glad that Adam has accepted this fight,” said 35-year-old Lipinets. “A lot of top fighters have 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 man win.”
Lipinets last boxed in May, scoring a victory over Liverpool’s Robbie Davies on ProBox TV. Davies is a former gymmate of Azim, who trains under Shane McGuigan.