One of British boxing’s brightest stars, Adam Azim will continue his charge towards world honours when he faces Gustavo Lemos on Saturday, January 31 at the Copper Box Arena in London. The fight will be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Azim (14-0, 11 KOs) is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the sport today. Blessed with prodigious skill and lightning-fast hands, the 23-year-old has been fast-tracked toward world title contention.
He first laced up the gloves at just four years old and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, claiming multiple national and European titles as a junior. Since turning professional, Azim has made history by winning and defending the European Title in record time, before announcing himself on the world stage with a statement stoppage victory over former world champion Sergey Lipinets.
Continuing his impressive rise, the British-Pakistani boxer delivered a punch-perfect performance against American Kurt Scoby to secure a memorable victory in front of 60,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the undercard of the blockbuster Eubank Jr vs Benn rematch.
Azim has close ties to legendary boxing figure Barry McGuigan MBE, who, alongside his trainer son Shane McGuigan, has played a key role in guiding the young star’s career. In a full-circle moment, Azim will now headline a primetime BBC television event, following in the footsteps of McGuigan, who rose to superstardom in 1985 when he defeated Eusebio Pedrosa to win the WBA Featherweight World Title in front of a television audience of 19 million.
Standing in Azim’s way is Lemos (30–2, 20 KOs), the dangerous Argentine pressure fighter renowned for his relentless pace and knockout power. With 30 victories to his name including 20 stoppages, Lemos’ only defeats have come at the hands of current world champions.
Lemos pushed IBF World Super Lightweight Champion Richardson Hitchins to the limit in a fiercely contested bout that many observers felt he deserved to win, and will be coming to London determined to make a major statement.
Adam Azim said: “This is the kind of fight I’ve been asking for. Gustavo Lemos is a dangerous fighter, and exactly the sort of opponent I need to face to prove I’m ready for the very top.
“Fighting live on BBC Two is a huge moment for me and to do that while headlining a big event close to home in London is going to be a special moment. I’m ready to put on a performance and take another step towards becoming a world champion.
“I respect Gustavo Lemos and what he has achieved in the sport, but on January 31, I’m going to show the world the level I’m at. This is my time.”
BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a huge moment for Adam Azim and a real statement fight. Gustavo Lemos is a dangerous fighter with genuine power, and this is exactly the kind of test Adam needs at this stage of his career.
“Adam is one of the most exciting young fighters in British boxing, and headlining live and free-to-air on the BBC is the perfect platform to showcase his talent to a national audience.
“January 31 at the Copper Box is going to be a brilliant night of boxing, and this fight has all the ingredients to produce something special.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, said: “Adam Azim is among the most exciting young prospects in British sport, and this fight is a major milestone in his ascent. Taking boxing live and free-to-air is key to connecting a new generation of fans and growing the sport’s future.”
Azim vs Lemos will receive star support from Francesca Hennessy (7-0, 1 KO), another of British boxing’s rising stars as she takes her next step towards world glory.
Following a flawless performance against Fabiana Bytyqi, in which she won every round to defeat the former WBC World Champion, the 21-year-old Hennessy returns to BBC television looking to continue her rapid rise.
Hennessy will face fellow unbeaten Brit Ellie Boutell (7-0-1, 2 KOs) for the WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship, with the contest also sanctioned as a final eliminator for the WBC World Bantamweight Title.
Hennessy’s aim is to become the youngest ever undisputed world champion. A record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at the age of 22.
Francesca Hennessy said: “Fighting on a huge night like this, live on the BBC, is exactly where I belong. This is a massive step in my career and I’m ready for it.
“Ellie Boutell is unbeaten and deserves respect, but this is my moment to show that I’m ready for world level. Winning the WBC Silver title and becoming mandatory for the world championship brings me closer to my ultimate goal.”
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This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.
