Adam Azim plans October bout before an IBF world title challenge

Adam Azim, unbeaten at 15-0 with 12 knockouts, is set to pursue his first world title opportunity. The 24-year-old is expected to headline a Boxxer event in October or November before seeking an IBF super-lightweight title fight in early 2027.

The plan would see Azim fight in the same period as the contest between Lindolfo Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov. That bout is scheduled for October 31, with the vacant IBF championship at stake. Delgado is ranked first by the organisation, while Biyarslanov sits third and Azim is fourth.

Azim’s proposed route is to defeat an opponent in his next appearance and then challenge the winner of Delgado versus Biyarslanov. Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev is one possible opponent after their meeting, which was scheduled for last November, was cancelled. Mexico’s Gabriel ‘Gollaz’ Valenzuela is another option and holds sixth place in the IBF rankings.

The Slough-born fighter has competed once this calendar year. He stopped Canada’s Steve Claggett inside three rounds in May, extending his unbeaten professional record to 15 victories. Claggett had previously gone the distance when he challenged Teofimo Lopez for the WBO super-lightweight title in 2024.

A fight with Dalton Smith had been discussed throughout Azim’s career, but Smith’s position changed after he knocked out Subriel Matias to win the WBC super-lightweight title at the beginning of the year. That success appeared to move Smith beyond Azim’s immediate path, leaving the IBF route as the emerging opportunity.

Adam’s brother Hassan Azim is also expected to feature on the undercard. He would be returning shortly after stopping Jack Martin in the first round this month.