Following Adam Azim’s dominant victory over Sergey Lipinets, trainer Shane McGuigan has outlined the next potential steps for the rising star. McGuigan was full of praise for Azim’s performance, describing it as “ruthless and brutal,” showcasing qualities that many young fighters lack. “He can stand in the pocket, rip shots, and he’s phenomenal and frightening in there,” McGuigan said.
Azim stopped Sergey Lipinets in the ninth round after an impressive performance against the Kazakh, and has moved to a record of 13-0.
Reflecting on Azim’s development, McGuigan noted, “This has been a three-year project. Now he’s 22, he’ll be 23 in the late summer, and look where he’s at. He’s just dissected Sergey Lipinets, a guy who’s been in with Jaron Ennis and Mikey Garcia, always putting up a good account of himself.”
McGuigan Lists Domestic Opponents for Adam Azim
As for what’s next, McGuigan highlighted three domestic names: Dalton Smith, Jack Catterall, and even Josh Taylor. “Above domestic level there’s only two fights out there domestically—Jack Catterall and Dalton Smith. Even Josh Taylor, though I don’t know if he’s going up to 147, but those are the names. Anyone below that has to earn their way up. I think Adam’s done that, Dalton’s done that, Jack’s done that, and Josh Taylor, of course, has done that.”
Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has recently ripped into Azim’s team for rejecting high-quality opposition.
While the pressure is mounting for an Azim vs. Smith showdown, McGuigan remains patient. “It’s going to happen. The money has to be right, and it’s marinating nicely. Whether it happens next or in two or three fights, it doesn’t matter. They’re not getting old overnight. It’s building lovely, but I genuinely think he takes Smith out.”
Dalton Smith recently won the European title via first-round stoppage of Walid Ouizza.
McGuigan’s confidence in Azim’s abilities shines through. “The volume, the waves of attacks, the fitness, the intensity, the ferociousness—it lies in Adam’s favour,” he asserted, suggesting that Azim’s progression to the top of the super-lightweight division is inevitable.
With Azim continuing to tick off notable names and deliver standout performances, the future looks incredibly bright for one of Britain’s most exciting boxing talents.
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