Adam Azim will be looking for a statement performance as he fights Ohara Davies in an all-British clash tonight.
The 22-year-old was last in action in February when he stopped Enock Poulsen to retain his European light-welterweight title, before Azim opted to vacate that belt after being mandated to fight Dalton Smith.
He then appeared set to fight Harlem Eubank, after the pair had a face-off in the ring at the O2 Arena earlier this year, but that bout did not materialise either, with Azim, who has an 11-0 record in the professional ranks, out of the ring for the past eight months.
The wait comes to an end tonight at the Copper Box Arena in London with a bout against Davies, who suffered the third defeat of his career when he was stunned in the first round by Ismael Barroso in January.
The 32-year-old must therefore rebuild again and he has certainly mixed it at a higher level than Azim, with Davies having lost to Josh Taylor in 2017 before he was then beaten on points by Jack Catterall a year later.
Azim vs Davies fight date and venue
The fight takes place today, Saturday October 19, 2024 at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Azim vs Davies fight time and ring walks
Ring walks for the main event between Azim and Davies are expected at around 10pm BST on Saturday, though that of course depends on the length of the fights earlier in the night.
The main undercard itself is scheduled to commence at 7pm.
How to watch Azim vs Davies
TV channel: The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix, with coverage getting underway at 7pm BST.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Sky Go app.
Azim vs Davies undercard
Anthony Yarde will feature on the card, with his opponent Ralfs Vilcans only confirmed this week and not expected to provide too many problems.
Yarde is attempting to build his way back into world-title contention, nearly two years on from his defeat to Artur Beterbiev, a man who is now undisputed champion at light-heavyweight.
There is also a return to action for Dan Azeez, who is in need of a win after losing to Joshua Buatsi in February and then following it with a poor draw against Hrvoje Sep four months later.
Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies
Anthony Yarde vs Ralfs Vilcans
Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmonson
Michael McKinson vs Tulani Mbenge
Jeamie TKV v v Franklin Ignatius
Shannon Courtenay vs Catherine Tacone Ramos
Francesca Hennessy v Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes
Azim vs Davies prediction
A fight against Dalton Smith is the one fans want to see for Azim, who must ensure there are more high-profile fights to come in 2025 by avoiding a slip-up on Saturday night.
He is the big favourite and rightfully so, even if the opposition has been largely limited in his 11 professional fights to date.
The 22-year-old made a name for himself with a succession of dominant knockout wins, but he has had to work harder in his recent fights, going at least 10 rounds in three of his past four bouts.
Azim is 10 years younger than Davies and should be too quick, both in landing the punches and with his footwork, and it would be no surprise if Davies starts nervously, having been dispatched inside a round last time out.
There is unlikely to be a repeat of such a swift conclusion, but Azim looks capable of adding another stoppage win to his record and setting the stage for bigger and better things next year.
Azim to win by stoppage, round six.
Azim vs Davies odds
Azim to win: 1/9
Davies to win: 11/2
Draw: 20/1
Azim to win on points or by decision: 7/2
Azim to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 4/11
Davies to win on points or by decision: 11/1
Davies to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 9/1
