ADAM AZIM will battle Dalton Smith this yr nevertheless it won’t occur subsequent, in response to his promoter Ben Shalom.

Smith has been put in as necessary challenger for Azim’s European light-welterweight title and a handbag bid has been referred to as for April 1.

The pair have each been steadily climbing the ranks however are aligned with completely different promoters with Azim signed to Boxxer and Smith with Matchroom.

Nevertheless, the EBU pushed the pair collectively and Azim should relinquish the European title he gained by beating Franck Petitjean final yr if he decides in opposition to going through Smith subsequent.

Now his promoter Shalom has opened the door to that risk insisting Azim’s subsequent battle shall be in opposition to the opponent that makes probably the most sense for his profession.

On the purse bid, Shalom instructed Boxing Information: “I believe if Adam desires the battle subsequent, then we’ll go large. However in the end will probably be as much as him and his workforce and we’ll communicate to them this week to see whether or not that’s the following battle or one for later within the yr.

“We need to make the battle and it’ll go wherever one of the best place is and normally which means who pays for it. It’s undoubtedly a battle we need to see this yr however in the end it would find yourself with Workforce Azim whether or not they see that battle as subsequent.

“His intention is to develop into a world champion so I don’t suppose being European is the driving pressure for something actually. I believe his focus is deciding what’s the proper battle subsequent, who’s the appropriate opponent.”

Ought to Azim and his supervisor and head coach Shane McGuigan choose to vacate the title and field somebody apart from Smith, they are going to be accused of ducking the undefeated Sheffield man.

Smith, in the meantime, has to get previous Jose Zepeda on March 23 however they are going to be pushing onerous for the Azim battle ought to he achieve success.

Shalom stated: “There are arguments for and in opposition to taking the battle. Generally I’m the one which’s blamed however the causes may very well be, he’s 21. He’s had a speedy rise however he desires the large nights down the road. It may very well be that his profile is in a special place to Dalton Smith, no disrespect to him, and informal followers know who Adam Azim is. I can see why loads of fighters need to battle him.

“His workforce would possibly resolve that given he’s solely 21 and nonetheless studying that there are extra appropriate fights on the market for him at this stage.

“As a boxing fan, I need to see this battle subsequent however his workforce will decide on whether or not it’s the following battle or whether or not it’s later within the yr. It’s inevitable it’s going to occur, much like Wardley-Clarke one, it’s in the end right down to the workforce as to when it occurs.”