ADAM AZIM is all set to kick off 2025 with a remarkable opportunity - the chance to win a fringe world level belt. This unbeaten super lightweight will step into the ring on February 1 at The OVO Arena and take on the experienced Kazakh veteran Sergey Lipinets, who boasts a record of 18-3-1 (13 KOs). At stake is the highly coveted IBO title at 140lbs, a title that Ricky Hatton once defended three times between June 2007 and November 2008.

Azim's 2024 and Beyond

2024 was a frustrating year for ADAM AZIM until he knocked out Ohara Davies, 25-4 (18 KOs), in the eighth round of their bout on October 10. Davies decided to retire after this defeat. Earlier in the year, there was some criticism when Azim vacated his European title instead of defending it against the mandatory challenger Dalton Smith, 16-0 (12 KOs). Another of his rivals, Harlem Eubank, 20-0 (8 KOs), faced off with Azim during the Fabio Wardley-Frazer Clarke card on March 31, leading many to believe they would meet officially this year, but that didn't happen.Azim shared his thoughts with the Toe2Toe Podcast this week, saying, "My development in my career so far has been really great. I'm managed and trained by the best trainer (Shane McGuigan) in the UK right now. In my last fight, I performed really well. A lot of people didn't expect me to do what I did. I brought different varieties. When I look at myself, I'm ready for these top dogs now. I'm ready for fighting at world level. I have respect for him, but there can only be one winner on February 1."

Sergey Lipinets' Perspective

Sergey Lipinets, who won the vacant IBF super-lightweight title in November 2017 by beating Akihiro Kondo, believes his experience will be a crucial factor in the fight against Azim. The 35-year-old 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."

Robbie Davies Jr. and the Past Encounter

Former gym-mate Robbie Davies Jr, 24-5 (15 KOs), was the last man to fight Lipinets back in May. During the action-packed 10-rounder, Davies had good spells but was dropped three times before losing on points. Azim declared, "I'm going to beat him for Robbie Davies Jr. When I look at it, Robbie [he] rocked him four times. There are definitely vulnerabilities. I'm a younger, fresher fighter. I don't think he'll match my speed either. I'm not going to say what my tactics are, but I'll beat him to the punch every single time."