Adam Azim has been making headlines since bursting onto the British boxing scene four years ago.

What initially caught attention was Azim’s incredible hand speed. However, his influence caused him to quickly engage in a fight for the victory with his younger welterweight rival Dalton Smith.

Each fighter benefits greatly from having a talented, high-profile rival, but despite the best efforts of the governing bodies, a match between the two is still a long way off and it has begun to feel like the constant chatter and maneuvering is overshadowing Azim’s development.

Ankle and wrist injuries have kept Azim (11-0, 8 KO) out of the ring since he defended his European title against Enock Poulsen in February. As frustrating as it was to force the newborn player to the side, the setbacks may have been his body’s way of telling him – and everyone around him – to snail-paced down.

In his absence, Azim relinquished the European title and Smith vacated the British belt after stopping the still unsafe Jose Zepeda to legitimize himself as a world title challenger. The two are further apart than they have been in a while.

Azim seems to have benefited from this break. Instead of constantly working on a specific opponent, he was able to work on his all-around game and instead of defending his career path, he focused solely on self-improvement.

On October 19, Azim returns to action in a reasonable and meaningful domestic fight against recent world title challenger Ohara Davies.

The conversation about Smith will inevitably heat up again, but over the next few weeks the talented Azim will be at the center of his own story again.

“My attitude towards this fight is completely different. I’ve been working really strenuous in the gym, improving every day and working extremely strenuous,” Azim told BoxingScene. “The good thing about being in the gym all the time is that you take into account what you need to do in the ring and keep working on it. That’s why I’m working on my footwork and internal fight, which is one of the things I want to work on.

“As a complete package – as a professional player – it’s good to have a good inside game, but also an outside game.”

It seemed like barely a month had passed without Azim scoring such a spectacular early goal that provides manna from heaven for social media teams and fuel for the hype machine.

In November 2022, Azim made his sixth straight stoppage quickly, defeating the tough Rylan Charlton over two rounds, and then the search began for opponents who could weather the early storm and give him quality innings.

The matchmakers certainly did their job.

Santos Reyes got up from the floor and went 10 rounds, just like Adam Faniian. Franck Petitjean made it to the 10th round of a free European title fight before ultimately being overwhelmed, while a shoulder injury forced Enock Poulsen to withdraw after five rounds earlier this year.

The rounds were invaluable. They gave Azim confidence in the gas tank, but also taught him which elements of his style would work at a championship level and which elements needed more work.

“You know what?” Azim said. “After the Rylan Charlton fight, I fought Santos Reyes and when I dropped him, I thought, ‘Yes, I’ve got him again.’ But there is a point where these people have strenuous heads, good chins and there is a way where you have to overcome it in a mature way. In my case, I was just throwing punches, trying to get him out, not thinking about it.

“If I fought him again, the story would be different because now I know how to beat him, you know? If I had stayed inside with him then, I would have gotten him out because I just kept it ticking for so long. It’s those three and four punches, not just one or two, where there are shots that they can’t see.

“Even with the Aram Fanian fight, it was a unsafe fight for me at the beginning. He fought 24 fights and lost only one during that time, so he was a good, advancing opponent for me.

“Now the fights last longer, I can think about how to eliminate them and break them – but that comes with maturity. I was 19, 20 years venerable then. Now I’m 22, so I’m getting older and of course gaining masculine strength, which is also good to have.

“I work really strenuous so I know what to do in the ring.

Call him Mr. Perfect. With a record of 20-0 and all 20 victories coming by knockout, Artur Beterbiev strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents, forcing those who share the ring with him to face the haunting question: is his power real and can I match it? resist ?

Every punch landed by Beterbiev should be treated as a potential KO punch. He is able to physically and mentally dismantle his enemies, leaving them bloody, battered and confused.

But Beterbiev, the WBC, IBF and WBO lightweight heavyweight champion who will face WBA champion Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed championship on Saturday (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET), is more than just a punch; it is also a merciless technical predator bent on destruction. Beterbiev combines his strength and punching power with infinite willpower.

And Bivol is not just a shrewd boxer; he is an clever tactician, a true wizard in the ring and a technical master who continues to rise above the competition. I see him as a master swordsman, primarily moving in and out of range with ease and displaying a scarce combination of precision, strength and strategic brilliance.

Let’s also take into account that Beterbiev’s return from a knee injury is a concern. Former middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and former junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman suffered similar injuries that circumscribed their mobility.

Bivol and Beterbiev rely primarily on a high guard to defend themselves, which exposes their bodies. This can create an opportunity to hurt and weaken each of them. It will be intriguing to see who exactly uses this strategy in hopes of destroying the other.

Let’s take a look at the Beterbiev-Bivol fight – who has the advantage and how the fight may go.

Understanding Beterbiev’s game

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Artur Beterbiev declares victory after Callum Smith stops the fight following a corner kick

Artur Beterbiev defeats Callum Smith in the 7th round of their fight to retain his titles in the Top Rank Boxing main event.

Beterbiev is able to read the initial movements of opponents, intercepting their position and attack, setting traps for counterattacks. He keeps quick-footed boxers off-balance, as he did against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019 and tough southpaw Marcus Browne in 2021, and he destroyed the knockout Joe Smith Jr. in 2022. Beterbiev delivers miniature, compact and powerful punches, knocking down opponents’ energy and breaking their will to fight. When he throws a punch, there’s a sound like a truck hitting a wall. This overwhelming force can temporarily paralyze opponents, freezing them in their tracks as they react to the sheer force of his attack.

Each fight is a brutal testament to his brilliance and dominance as he methodically decimates every boxing style. The tools of his trade include attacking from the delicate side, changing the point of attack, and forcing opponents to move to the left. These maneuvers are performed for several reasons, including the fact that most orthodox warriors have difficulty fighting while moving to the right. Beterbiev also shifts forward to create a up-to-date attacking angle by positioning himself in a southpaw position, challenging his opponent’s positioning and defensive mechanics.

Beterbiev has shown remarkable resilience throughout his career, frequently recovering and winning by KO despite severe cuts and knockdowns. This shows his strength and experience in high-pressure situations.

Let me include his looping right hand setup with a lateral movement to the right to get away from his favorite shot, the right hand. Beterbiev is a master of cutting off the ring and throwing punches where his opponents are going. While skills may develop over time, the raw strength and power speak for themselves. Beterbiev is more than just perfect. I find him extremely special.

Understanding Bivol’s game

Bivol weakens boxers of all styles, from punchers and technicians to fighters and boxer-punchers, by tactically wearing them down. Bivol demonstrates a style of swinging footwork (moving back and forth), precisely creating piercing lines on the canvas, avoiding impacts by mere centimeters. He deliberately advances, capturing the center of the ring with a stiff jab mixed with probes and level changes. He applies pressure by drawing an imaginary line and challenging his opponents to cross it.

Bivol may not have the explosive power of other lightweight heavyweights, but he wields the finesse of a bomb disposal technician, expertly dispersing threats before they can detonate. Bivol’s defense and footwork are top-notch, and his offensive arsenal is much more energetic and varied than most lightweight heavyweights, allowing him to execute any game plan necessary to win.

However, it is his step back that elevates his game to an even higher level, causing the opponent to miss the goal. Bivol makes opponents miss while punishing them for their mistakes, especially those who rush forward. He has a solid foundation combined with a stiff, swift and right jab, and his high guard defense system creates opportunities for counterattacks.

Bivol fills gaps in the opponent’s defense with silky, uncomplicated punch combinations. He constantly shatters dreams by outmaneuvering and outsmarting more notable high-level champions such as Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. During that 2022 fight, Bivol used pressure and physical strength to keep Ramirez off balance, pushing him against the ropes and blistering him with combinations. Bivol’s footwork is second to none. He can easily evade capture and take a position that can enlighten anyone, including Beterbiev. Bivol has the complexity, conditioning and skills needed to adapt and find multiple ways to overcome challenges.

Bivol also has an iron chin, has never once touched the canvas with anything other than the sole of his boxing shoes, and remains undefeated with a record of 23-0 and 12 knockouts.

Three key areas that will decide this fight

Range: Controlling the distance will be key for both players. Bivol should excel at outside distances thanks to his quicker hand and footwork, which allows him to land punches before Beterbiev can respond. Bivol’s faster and more effective jab should lend a hand him maintain that advantage as long as Beterbiev can’t get into his desired center-to-center range. However, Beterbiev also has a powerful jab that can be delivered with great power, sometimes jabbing first before moving his feet. This allows him to close the distance by effectively shuffling from outside to inside to inside. Bivol, 33, fights in a straight line, and Beterbiev can operate more than just the jab, as some of Beterbiev’s attacks are intentionally done in the air and take advantage of gravity as he rushes inside.

If the fight moves to the middle or closer, it favors Beterbiev. Conversely, if Bivol maintains control at a distance. He can dictate the pace, push forward, but at the same time he is tough to locate. However, Bivol, who mainly uses a high guard when attacking, must avoid taking too many ponderous punches because Beterbiev’s power can weaken Bivol’s body.

Ropes: Ropes can serve as both an ally and an enemy. Control of the center of the ring is paramount for both fighters; whoever has his back to the center will likely take control and will likely dominate the fight. Bivol sometimes finds himself on the edge, either by choice or by circumstance, which can be harmful. Staying off the ropes is crucial to his success. Beterbiev thrives when opponents are cornered or on the ropes. Still, the ropes could give Bivol a chance to land right combinations if he can push Beterbiev away, changing the energetic in his favor. This may also influence the judges’ perception. Bivol needs to be careful as Beterbiev can set side traps with a looping right hand. Keeping the fight in the center of the ring allows for more right scoring and allows you to assess the tactical and technical skills of each champion.

Persistence: Demanding punches operate more energy than lighter punches. Each of Bivol’s shots has the potential to deplete his fuel system, while Beterbiev must keep his stamina in check while taking ponderous shots and taking penalties. Missed punches by any player will further contribute to fatigue and errors. The demands of a fight of this scale will test their will and endurance. Effective pressure and punch combinations can disrupt a fighter’s balance and forward momentum, making endurance a potential game-changer. Ultimately, elite endurance may determine the winner in this uncontested matchup. Even at the age of 39, Beterbiev showed excellent conditioning, endurance and punching power in delayed fights. Bivol also showed excellent mental toughness, fitness and great technique at the end of the fights, while withstanding enormous pressure.

Who wins?

This is a real shake-up. It’s scarce to see a long-awaited fight where the fighters are evenly matched. Strategy and execution will play a key role in determining the winner. Each athlete’s range, stamina and game plan preferences will influence the outcome, making it almost impossible to predict the winner. With so many variables to consider, this battle will be a must-watch! On Saturday evening we will witness something extraordinary.

The opening rounds will be crucial in setting the tone. While some may expect Beterbiev to play slowly following knee surgery and a nine-month layoff, he should adopt an aggressive strategy to disrupt Bivol’s rhythm and create discomfort early in the game. However, starting quickly comes with risks, as Bivol is a marksman with the ability to counter-attack. It will be fascinating to see how this develops and affects the combat dynamics.

My original choice before Beterbiev needed surgery was for Bivol to win. He has better footwork, defense, an incredible jab and piercing counter-attacks. If he can keep the fight in the center of the ring while not being too still for Beterbiev’s mid-range attack, he should win. However, this is easier said than done. But I’ll go with Bivol.

Edgar Berlanga is reportedly negotiating with veteran Gabe Rosado to set up a February 2025 fight in Puerto Rico.

Promoter Eddie Hearn reportedly has one fight left before his contract with Berlanga expires. He mentioned the possibility of Berlanga fighting in Puerto Rico or Fresh York against a higher-level opponent.

Hearn’s decision to let Berlanga fight Rosado in the final fight of his Matchroom contract suggests he is interested in re-signing him and wants to invest in his career to build him into a star. There are different levels of stars in boxing.

There are fighters who are stars because they beat the best and are considered world champions. There are also players who are stars due to their popularity, but do not hold world champion titles. Berlanga fits into this category. He’s an East Coast star.

If Hearn had not been interested in keeping Berlanga in the Matchroom squad, he would not have allowed him to employ the final fight of his contract against Rosado.

Gabe Rosado, 38, would certainly fit the description of a challenging opponent. Rosado has lost six of his last eight fights since 2019. That’s not great, but it would be perfect for Berlanga, who hails from Brooklyn, Fresh York. He cannot afford to fight his rival because he is too valuable.

The voice of Thaboxing informs that talks are underway regarding the fight between Berlang (22-1, 17 KO) and Rosado (26-17-1, 17 KO). It will be a confidence booster for 27-year-old Berlanga, who will lend a hand him get back to winning ways after a lopsided, 12-round unanimous decision defeat to unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez on September 14.

Berlanga celebrates his defeat, enjoying going the distance and taking some shots against the 34-year-old Canel. There isn’t much to celebrate other than Berlanga getting a gigantic payday. The results were as follows:

– 117-110
– 118-109
– 118-109

Canelo seemed to be toying with Berlanga, attacking him and not going for the kill to knock him out. Berlanga looked massive in the ring against Canelo and reportedly rehydrated to 600 pounds for the fight.

Gabe Rosado’s last eight fights:

– Bektemir Melikuziev: UD 10 losses
– Ali Akhmedov: UD 10 losses
– Shane Mosley Jr: MD 10 turnovers
– Jaime Munguia: 12 UD lost
– Bektemir Melikuziev: KO Victory 3
– Daniel Jacobs: SD 12 lost
– Humberto Gutierrez Ochoa: UD 10 victory
– Maciej Sulęcki: UD 10 loss