Chris Billam-Smith gets what he always envisioned: a world title shot on home soil at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium later this month. Adam Azim headlines a York Hall bill in mid-June, while women’s lightweight prospect Caroline Dubois faces the biggest test of her career on the same card vs. former title challenger Yanina del Carmen Lescano. Click for more, to watch their individual videos…
Azim makes York Hall debut against 22-1 pro
Having gone the distance for only the second time as a pro last time out against Santos Reyes, light-welterweight prospect Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) will make his York Hall debut on June 16 against Ukraine’s Aram Faniian (22-1, 4 KOs) over ten rounds.
Previously scheduled for June 10th – the same day as the Champions League Final – the event will now take place in the same venue six days later, airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Showcase in the UK and Ireland.
My other recent boxing coverage to read:
Ryder endured arduous road to a Canelo title shot, at the best possible time
Buatsi measured in wide UD win vs. Stepien, but leaves you wanting more
Eddie Hearn confirms plan moving forward for Cordina, Barrett and others
The 21-year-old talent told me he’s feeling refreshed after an injury-forced break, having hurt his wrist – but importantly avoiding surgery – during the February win against a durable, previously unbeaten Nicaraguan in his second headliner.
Analysis on that and more to come later this week but for now, watch these clips from the trio of boxers complete with captions for each.
ADAM AZIM
A short but sweet first video landing two and three-punch combos while targeting the body, then some ferocious punching against the heavy bag to finish:
CAROLINE DUBOIS
Some work with trainer Shane McGuigan, hours before her maiden world-level opponent was formally announced. Will she flourish next month?
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH
Up close and personal, some whipping shots as he prepares for Lawrence Okolie in a fortnight’s time:
He acknowledged it may be cliche to say afterwards, but the phrase best shape of his life isn’t said lightly over here:
Mo and Sports 