Azim vs Lipinets official for Feb. 1 in Wembley

Adam Azim stopped Ohara Davies in October

After picking up a pair of knockouts in an injury-hampered 2024 campaign, blue-chip super lightweight prospect Adam Azim will kick off his 2025 by facing former champion Sergey Lipinets on February 1st at OVO Arena Wembley.

The 22-year-old Azim (16-0, 12 KO) defended his European title with an injury finish of Enock Poulson in February, after which the EBU ordered him to face fellow up-and-comer Dalton Smith. Azim ultimately vacated in favor of pursuing Harlem Eubank, only to injure his ankle and withdraw.

He returned to action last October with a one-sided finish of Ohara Davies.

Lipinets (18-3-1, 13 KO) is long in the tooth at 35 and most likely outgunned, but he’s still one of boxing’s most consistently entertaining action fighters. He’ll go out on his shield at the very least.

Azim said: “This fight is another step up for me. 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 1 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.”

Lipinets said: “I’m glad that Adam has accepted this fight. 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.”