Boxxer announced today that undefeated super lightweight contender Adam Azim will face veteran Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in a December 4th IBF eliminator at Copper Box Arena.
Azim (15-0, 12 KO) has fought just once this year, a three-round drubbing of Steve Claggett that was less impressive for the caliber of opponent than for the method of execution. That’s kind of been the theme so far for his career; his last six have ended inside the distance, including over faded vets like Ohara Davies and Sergey
Lipinets, but the breakthrough win has yet to arrive.
Adam Azim said: “This is the biggest fight of my career. I’ve put in the hard work to get to this position and now it’s time to show everyone what I can do. Valenzuela is a toundeugh, experienced fighter and I’m preparing for the very best version of him. I know what’s at stake and I’m ready to deliver. My dream has always been to become world champion. This is the final test standing between me and that opportunity, and I’m not going to let anything get in my way.”
Whether Gollaz (32-5, 18 KO) fits the bill is up for interpretation, but the guy can still fight. His current 2-2 skid doesn’t tell the full story, as he went toe-to-toe with Subriel Matias for eight round before succumbing and arguably deserved the win against Lindolfo Delgado last year. We know he’ll go for it, at the very least.
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela said: “This is a massive opportunity for me. Adam Azim is a talented young fighter with a big future, but he has never faced anyone like me before. I’ve shared the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and that experience will make the difference on fight night. I know what it takes to compete at this level and I’m ready to show everyone what I can do. I’m coming to London to win. Victory will be coming home to Mexico with me.”
This still being an eliminator suggests that the IBF has designs on rescheduling Delgado vs Arthur Biyarslanov for the vacant belt, or at the very least finding Biyarslanov a new dance partner. No official word yet.
Other noteworthy action sees the fast-rising Francesca Hennessy (9-0, 2 KO) face Johanna Wonyou (13-0, 2 KO) in a clash of undefeated bantamweights. The two meet for the interim WBC title, which does kind of make sense considering undisputed champ Dina Thorslund has a lot of obligations to juggle.
