Prospects for a fight between Dalton Smith and Adam Azim happening later this year are diminishing. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn considers the highly anticipated domestic super-lightweight clash unlikely in the near future.
Hearn mentioned that the potential matchup between the two fighters has been discussed as a possibility for the past three years and remains a significant talking point among fans.
However, despite ongoing debate within the boxing community about who holds the advantage, it seems we are no closer to seeing this matchup materialize.
Instead, Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs), who is the mandatory challenger, is expected to await the outcome of the WBC world championship bout between current champion Alberto Puello and tough puncher Subriel Matias.
This significant title fight is scheduled for July 12th as part of a New York event headlined by Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda and Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Edgar Berlanga.
Alberto Puello (24-0, 10 KOs) secured the WBC belt with a split decision win over Sandor Martin in March. Former world champion Subriel Matias (22-2, 22 KOs) has recorded two stoppage victories since his loss to Liam Paro last June.
The winner of the Puello-Matias contest is expected to be ordered to defend against Smith. Smith solidified his position as the leading WBC contender at 140lbs following his impressive victory against Jose Zepeda last year.
Therefore, while a fight against Adam Azim appears to be postponed, it seems probable, from his promoter`s viewpoint, that Smith will not compete again before challenging for a world title.
Meanwhile, Adam Azim, 23, has yet to announce his next opponent. His last performance, a win against Sergey Lipinets, was arguably his best to date.
Hearn commented on the situation, stating that they are interested in the Azim fight and have pursued it for three years. He added that now, with potentially fewer options for Azim`s team, they seem more open to the fight.
However, Hearn highlighted that Smith is the mandatory challenger for the Puello-Matias winner. He suggested Smith`s management believes there`s no reason to fight Azim immediately when a world title shot is next in line.
While acknowledging the potential magnitude of the Smith-Azim fight and not ruling it out entirely, Hearn reiterated that waiting for the outcome of the Puello-Matias championship bout is the most likely course of action for Dalton Smith.
