Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets fight preview, betting odds and prediction

Adam Azim and Sergey Lipinets clash for the vacant IBO World super-lightweight title

Unbeaten Briton Adam Azim (12-0, 9KO) will clash with experienced Kazakh Sergey Lipinets (18-3-1, 13KO) for the vacant IBO World super-lightweight title at Wembley Arena on February 1st.

The pair will headline a BOXXER show live on Sky Sports, which features Viddal Riley and Isaac Chamberlain in an English cruiserweight title fight on the undercard.

The IBO belt up for grabs was vacated by Zhankosh Turarov and has been previously held by the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.

35-year-old Lipinets was an IBF World super-lightweight champion seven years ago in 2015. He was dethroned by Mikey Garcia in his first defence, dropped in round seven and ultimately losing via unanimous decision.

He has only been stopped once in his three defeats, to Jaron 'Boots' Ennis in 2021 (TKO 6). In May last year, he defeated Liverpool's Robbie Davies Jr. in Florida. Despite knocking Davies down in rounds five and eight, he won by decision after 10 rounds of action, scored 98-89, 96-91, 95-92.

Lipinets is as tough as they come, aggressive, and wears his heart upon his sleeve. The Kazakh started his combat career as a kickboxer, which is when he was given the nickname "Samurai", but switched to boxing where he recorded a respectable 35-5 amateur record. As a kickboxer, he won European and World titles.

22-year-old wonderkid Adam 'The Assassin' Azim was a 10-time national amateur champion, ranked no.1 in the world at welterweight, and is now unbeaten in 12 professional contests with nine stoppages.

In his 10th contest, he claimed the European super-lightweight crown by dethroning Frenchman Frank Petitjean with a 10th round stoppage in Wolverhampton in 2023.  He defended the blue belt three months later in February 2024 within five rounds, then he stopped friend-turned-foe Ohara Davies in the eighth round of his last fight in October to register three KOs in a row.

Azim is sharp, fast and reactive. His jab is swift, accurate and stinging. He carries his right hand by his chin while allowing his left arm to hang loose to strike from any angle at any time. He is patient, willing to break his opponents down over time before picking his moments to land bigger, riskier shots.

The Brit is the overwhelming favourite as the undefeated European champion fighting in his own backyard.

Betting Odds

1/5 Azim
24/1 Draw
49/10 Lipinets

Prediction

Azim is a fighter on the ascension, but 35-year-old Lipinets has already had his best days.

Only one opponent has ever made it to the final round without being dropped by Azim. Lipinets is so aggressive and game, he will engage at any given opportunity, which will provide openings for the rising prospect.

Adam Azim to win by knockout in rounds 7-12.