Adam Azim vs Harlem Eubank is no longer on the table for 2024 despite an in-ring announcement of the clash last spring.
The pair entered the ring at the Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke event in the United Kingdom to inform fans they would collide soon in a UK blockbuster. However, months later and after radio silence, BOXXER confirmed Ohara Davies as Azim’s super lightweight opponent for a clash on Saturday, October 19th, at The Copper Box Arena in London.
Azim [11-0, 8 KOs] aims for a twelfth career victory against ‘Two Tanks’ Davies, who dropped to 25-3, 18 KOs when losing to Ismael Barroso in January. In an ironic twist, the pair shared a gym when Azim was first taking tentative steps to eventually becoming European champion.
Discussing his latest challenge, Azim said, “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best. It was a great honor 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. Our styles will make for an exciting fight, but there will only be one outcome. I’m ready to make a statement and show everybody that I’m ready for the biggest names in the division.”
Davies added, “I’m excited for this fight. I like Adam Azim. I’ve known him since he was very young, and it’s amazing to see his success in boxing so far.
“I followed him in the amateurs and 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.”
Promoter Ben Shalom did not mention the Eubank fight when commenting on Azim vs Davies. Meanwhile, Eubank’s Wasserman promoters briefly mentioned the Azim fight when confirming a new deal for their fighter.
Signing initially in 2021, Eubank has extended his stay with the company.
Kalle Sauerland said of the deal, “Harlem Eubank is already one of the faces of British boxing, but his name will also grow internationally. There are so many sensational fights out there for him; the Azim fight has been talked about, but there are also blockbusters with Dalton Smith and Conor Benn.
“The welterweight division is experiencing a lot of movement at the moment, with exciting British names all fighting it out to go to the world level, and Harlem Eubank will be a massive part of that.
“Harlem has shown major improvements over the last couple of years. He is an outstanding boxer, ready to take it to the next level. We are thrilled he will fight the rest of his career with Wasserman Boxing in his corner.”
Eubank stated, “Wasserman Boxing has always felt like home to me, so I’m excited to have signed a multi-fight contract extension with them.
“This is a pivotal point in my career, with major fights and titles ahead, and I’m confident that the plan Kalle and Nisse have set out for me is what I need.
“My last fight in Brighton, in front of my home crowd and a massive TV audience, was a defining moment for me. The smoke and mirrors of the boxing business have kept me out of the ring for too long, and I’m eager to get back in and continue building momentum.
“There are some huge domestic fights in and around my division, and I’m coming for all of them.”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
