October 19: Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies
On Saturday night, former sparring partners, Adam Azim (11-0, 8KO) and Ohara Davies (25-3, 18KO) meet in an all-British super-lightweight clash at the Copper Box Arena, London.
Before this fight was signed, young prospect Azim was set to fight Harlem Eubank. After Azim picked up an injury, Eubank’s team decided to go in a different direction.
However, Azim is now arguably facing a much tougher test in Davies.
The unbeaten 22-year-old from Slough has performed tremendously so far in his fledgling career, recently picking up the European super-lightweight title in November 2023.
Nevertheless, he has never faced someone at the level of Ohara Davies. Additionally, Davies who is 32 years old, is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Ismael Barroso, and many within the sport are questioning what he has left to offer.
Therefore, the fight is happening at the perfect time for both boxers, as each have questions that need answering.
Davies cannot afford to lose if he has any aspirations of getting back into the mix. Furthermore, Azim needs to prove that he is at the level he says he is, and a win would not only demonstrate this, but it would also add a strong scalp to his record.
Stylistically, the fighters match very well, making for an exciting fight.
Trained by Shane McGuigan, Azim is a skilful super-lightweight who carries blistering hand speed and an impressive 73 per cent knockout ratio. Sharp and instinctive, he is quick on his feet, tall and rangy when landing his straight shots from distance.
Hackney’s Davies, on the other hand, can also bang, he poses the threat of a 72 per cent KO ratio, with 18 stoppages from 25 victories. Also possessing a good jab, which he flicks upwards from the hip, OD is at his most dangerous when throwing his big hooks and uppercuts within range.
Moreover, if the first press conference is anything to go by, this fight should be a cracker, and surely unlikely to go 12-rounds.
‘Two Tanks’ throughout his career has played the bad guy, and in the build-up to this fight, he has been no different. Despite a rare showing of respect for his opponent, Davies has had plenty to say about Azim’s team.
“Ben [Shalom] has only been around a couple of years, and you’ve got a lot to learn because you making this fight was the stupidest move you could have made,” Davies declared. “It’s a lose-lose situation for you guys.”
Later in the press conference, Davies presented a signed copy of Carl Frampton’s autobiography, a fighter Azim’s coach Shane McGuigan had a well-documented legal dispute with.
These comments are not out of character for Ohara, who loves to court controversy, and they have only added to the anticipation for what should be an explosive contest.
The undercard features the return of Anthony Yarde; plus Dan Azeez challenging for his former Lonsdale belt against undefeated light-heavyweight prospect Lewis Edmondson; and Shannon Courtenay is back in action for the first time in two years.
The fight card will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Betting Odds
Azim: 1/6
Davies: 6/1
Draw: 25/1
Prediction
“Despite Ohara Davies’ relative experience, I expect Azim’s youth to prove the deciding factor.
“Ohara may start well, but as soon as Adam gets in his rhythm, I expect him to put on a clinical performance.
“He will be eventually too quick for Davies and force the referee or Davies’ corner to make a decision in the mid to late rounds.
“It should be a highly watchable fight for the fight fans.”