Briton Azim set for December return against Valenzuela

Published1 hour ago

British light-welterweight Adam Azim is set to face Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela at London's Copper Box on 4 December.

Azim last fought in May when he stopped Steve Claggett in three rounds at Wembley Arena live on BBC Two.

The 24-year-old is undefeated in 15 professional fights, winning 12 by stoppage, while Mexico's Valenzuela holds a record of 32 wins, five losses and one draw.

BBC Sport understands the bout will serve as an IBF title eliminator, with the winner in line to challenge for the belt in early 2027.

Azim, who made his professional debut in 2020, has won each of his last six fights by knockout.

Valenzuela has lost two previous world title eliminator fights against Subriel Matias and Lindolfo Delgado in 2025.

The 32-year-old has earned 18 of his 32 wins by stoppage, including a knockout win in his last fight in May.

The IBF title is currently vacant after former champion Richardson Hitchins moved up to to welterweight after signing with Zuffa Boxing.

Delgado and Russian-Canadian Arthur Biyarslanov were due to compete for the vacant belt on Saturday but the Mexican withdrew earlier this week with his team citing safety concerns for the bout on the undercard of Christian Mbilli v Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in Saudi Arabia.

Azim has long been linked with WBC light-welterweight champion Dalton Smith and victory would keep an all-British bout on track for 2027.

Related topics

Boxing

Boxing schedule and results 2026

• Published8 October

Boxing schedule and results 2026

Published8 October

Watch every Born to Brawl episode

• Published28 April 2024

Watch every Born to Brawl episode

Published28 April 2024

More boxing from the BBC

Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

• Published28 August

Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Published28 August