ADAM AZIM’s showdown with Eliot Chavez has been cancelled just hours before the walk-ons.
The pair were due to fight on the undercard of Callum Simpson’s European title fight in Barnsley tonight.
Azim, 22, boasts an unbeaten record and secured the IBO light-welterweight title in February.
He took Saturday’s fight at short notice after beating former world champion Sergey Lipinets.
But Chavez was left in hot water after it emerged he’d used a sauna to make weight.
Promoters Boxxer said in a statement: “The British Boxing Board of Control has withdrawn permission for Eliot Chavez to face Adam Azim tonight in Barnsley following concerns raised by the Mexican Boxing Commission relating to Chavez’s use of a sauna to make weight – a practice that is prohibited by the board.”
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Azim immediately reacted on social media, posing an angry face emoji.
One fan sympathised: “Sorry to hear that champ. Was looking forward to it.”
While another said: “This is what happens when you fight someone on like a week or two notice.”
Chavez went nine rounds with Harlem Eubank in 2022.
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And Azim was hoping to use the bout to show off his credentials in the division.
The 22-year-old declared he would fight anyone on a week’s notice – even two-weight world champ Devin Haney.
Azim, 22, told Sky Sports: “I would fight Haney next week.
“I just feel he’s moving around more and doesn’t want to initiate attacks.
“He is a top-level fighter but I don’t think he’s the same fighter that he was before.
“If he’s running on the backfoot, throwing one jab every two rounds, why not?
“For me I can fight front foot and back foot.
“Haney, I think he’s got enough power just to keep someone off, but I don’t think he has that one-punch power.
“But I think if I was going to fight him I think I’d beat him with speed.”
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Tonight’s main event at Oakwell sees Simpson face Ivan Zucco for the European super-middleweight championship.
The pair are expected to ring walk in South Yorkshire around 9.30pm.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
