One of British boxing’s most exciting young talents, Adam Azim will continue his rise on Saturday, January 31, when he faces dangerous Argentine contender Gustavo Lemos at London’s Copper Box Arena. The bout will headline a primetime event broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Azim enters the fight with a 14-0 record, including 11 knockouts, and has been fast-tracked toward world title contention. After winning and defending the European title in record time, he announced himself on the global stage with a statement stoppage of former world champion Sergey Lipinets. He followed that by producing a standout performance against Kurt Scoby in front of 60,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the undercard of the Eubank Jr vs Benn rematch.
Guided by Barry McGuigan and trainer Shane McGuigan, Azim now headlines a major BBC boxing event, echoing McGuigan’s own rise to superstardom in the 1980s. Standing in his way is Lemos whose only defeats have come against world champions. Lemos pushed IBF world champion Richardson Hitchins hard in a fiercely contested bout and arrives in London intent on making a statement.
Azim has welcomed the challenge, describing Lemos as exactly the kind of opponent he needs to prove he belongs at the very top.
The card also features a high-stakes co-main event as unbeaten Francesca Hennessy faces fellow undefeated Brit Ellie Boutell for the WBC Silver bantamweight title and final eliminator for the WBC world title. Hennessy, just 21, is aiming to move one step closer to her goal of becoming the youngest undisputed world champion, adding further intrigue to a night designed to spotlight the next generation of British boxing stars.
Fight card:
▪️Adam Azim vs. Gustavo Daniel Lemos, 12 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Francesca Hennessy vs. Ellie Bouttell, 10 x 2 rounds, for the vacant WBC Silver bantamweight title
