Dalton Smith knocked out Jose Zepeda in his hometown of Sheffield before calling out domestic rival Adam Azim
Saturday 23rd of March saw Sheffield’s rising star Dalton Smith (13-0) take on Mexican American Jose Zepeda (37-5) for the WBC Silver Super Lightweight belt. The bout topped the main card at the Utilitia Arena and fans were not disappointed. Smith took a big step up in his career to fight Zepeda, who is two-time world champion challenger. Smith making the bout look easy stopped the away fighter with a huge body shot in the fifth round leaving Jose unable to beat the count.
Dalton Smith Dazzles in Sheffield, Calls Out Adam Azim
Following the destructive display by Dalton Smith. He immediately called out fellow 140 Pounder Adam Azim. Smith told the arena ” I don’t call many names out but Adam Azim, where are you at? I bet he vacates that title. I respect him but the European title is something I want.” Azim who is also undefeated (11-0) is the current EBU Super Lightweight champion has been ordered to defend his belt against Smith, the British Board of Boxing Control has also ordered Smith to defend his British Title against Azim.
Eddie Hearn echoed his charges call out in typical Hearn fashion. ” I haven’t got too much to say to Adam Azim other that I dare you, I dare you to fight Dalton Smith.” The Matchroom boss further added to the call out, “The British Boxing Board of Control have ordered it, the European title, have ordered it, your belt. There is no reason that you wont fight this man other than he’s too good. With all due respect, Adam Azim, tremendous fighter. Right now, couldn’t lace this mans boots. We’re going for the world championship. Get out the way, we’re coming through.
Smith vs Adam Azim?
Dalton Smith vs Adam Azim would no doubt leave fans excited. The Super lightweight division is quickly becoming the hottest division in boxing, both domestically and on the world stage. A fight between Smith and Azim would capture the hearts of fight fans both in this country and abroad an with a North vs South narrative this faith itself would be likely to achieve big numbers. But, it is unlikely that we see the fight next. With the ongoing legal dispute between Matchroom and Boxxer coupled with Ben Shalom’s apparent reluctance to work with Matchroom, it is far more likely that both fighters head in other directions.
Purse bids have being requested and are due to be heard in April, this may give fight fans some hope that this fight will be next. But with rumours circulating that Boxxer have already withdrawn and with their recent history of pulling their fighters out of purse bid’s such as Richard Riakporhe and Frazer Clarke. Fans may have to wait that little bit longer before the two undefeated contenders face off in the ring.
Both fighters have other options at their disposal. With Smith collecting the WBC Silver belt this could give him a shot at the winner of Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia. He could also face the winner or Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall. But with the Sheffield fighter setting his sights on the European title, all eyes will be on Adam Azim’s camp to see what happens next. Azim himself has been vocal of late, calling out the like of Keyshawn Davis and current WBO Super Lightweight champion, Teofimo Lopez.
Would you like to see Dalton Smith vs Adam Azim next? Have your say in the comments below.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
