Boxing News‘Smash him to bits’ – Frank Smith predicts Dalton Smith vs Adam Azim
On January 10, at the Barclays Center in New York City, Subriel Matias vs Dalton Smith headlined a Fresh Productionscard with Matias’ WBC super lightweight title up for grabs. Fight fans in select countries were able to see the entire event as a pay-per-view (PPV) with PPV.com.
It was an entertaining bout, with both having success, before the Sheffield fighter knocked down the heavy-handed Puerto Rican, leading to the referee waving the fight off. This historic stoppage win crowned Smith the new WBC super lightweight champion. Attention has quickly turned to the future for the new WBC champion. Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith has spoken to Sky Sports about a potential Smith vs Azim fight, and the future for “Thunder.”
Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) started the fight using his jab and boxing on the outside, but soon was trading heavy shots with Matias (23-3, 22 KOs). The Puerto Rican was having success and throwing eye-catching flurries, but the cleaner work was coming from Smith.
During the fifth round, Smith landed two big right hands that wobbled Matias. he then followed up and landed a clubbing right hand that sent Matias to the canvas. Despite making it to his feet, he was on unsteady legs, and the referee waved the fight off, awarding Smith the WBC super lightweight title.
Frank Smith Predicts Smith vs Azim
The newly crowned WBC super-lightweight champion now has a plethora of options available to him. He has long been linked to a fight with fellow Brit Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs). However, Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith recently spoke to Sky Sports, calling it disrespectful to talk about Azim on the same level as the new WBC champion:
“I think now it’s wrong to mention Adam Azim on Dalton Smith’s level. That’s nothing against Adam Azim, I like him a lot, I think he’s a very good boxer, but he hasn’t done what Dalton Smith has done.
“Dalton has done it the traditional route. He’s won the English, the British, the Commonwealth, the European, all of those belts and worked his way into a mandatory position, gone in there against the bogeyman of the division that no one wanted to fight and won a world title on away soil,” said Frank Smith.
When asked whether an Azim fight would interest Smith, The Matchroom CEO said: “It comes down to what Dalton Smith wants. He is the world champion who has gone and done it the hard way. He’s done everything asked of him.
“It can’t be, ‘Oh, Adam Azim wants to fight now.’ I’m sure he does! He didn’t want to fight when it got ordered.
“We promote Dalton Smith, he’s our focus. Our job is to deliver the best possible fights for him – the biggest opportunities.
“If the Adam Azim fight is a huge fight in a year’s time, is that a fight to look at? For sure. But it’s on Dalton Smith’s terms. Adam Azim is not really relevant when it comes down to that.
“If Adam Azim goes and wins a world title, it’s a huge unification fight. And again, that’s not in any way talking him down. I think he’s a very good fighter. I think he’s got a massive future. But he’s just not on Dalton’s level right now.”
When asked how the fight would go, Frank Smith said: “Dalton Smith smashes Adam Azim to bits. No question. All day.”
Do you agree with the prediction from Frank Smith? Does “Thunder” walk through Azim?
Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Asim won't stand in front of him
But Smith isn't short of skills
But Smith isn't short of skills
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MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
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Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Smith looked great, but Azim still might beat him.
Frank smith trying to gloat and kiss Azim’s arse at the same time, in case his boss can nick AA from boxxer down the road.
They won’t be able to do that for awhile if the BBC stays onboard, and the shoe will be on the other foot if Azim manages to bag a world title on terrestrial
Frank smith trying to gloat and kiss Azim’s arse at the same time, in case his boss can nick AA from boxxer down the road.
They won’t be able to do that for awhile if the BBC stays onboard, and the shoe will be on the other foot if Azim manages to bag a world title on terrestrial
Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Has anyone changed their minds on this after the Matias win ?
Leprechaun and R350d (or something
) - you two both picking Azim confidenltly still...?
Leprechaun and R350d (or something
) - you two both picking Azim confidenltly still...?
Last edited by skanksta on 15 Jan 2026, 17:30, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Yup, still stand by it.
I think Azim is a special talent.
Oh and BTW The Rd350lc is the finest motorcycle ever made.
Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Yeah looks lovely on google 
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TheLeprechaun
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Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Beforehand I thought it would be Adam winning on the outside due to being the faster fighter and longer, snappier punches. The Matias fight was all action because of Matias. If Dalton had his way it would have been a stinker like most of his fights.
Dalton showed he could go up a level and showed elite heart and will to win which we haven't seen from Adam. If he was losing a fight on the outside, he could start forcing the fight. He was able to smother Matias and take that fight to the inside. I didn't like what I saw when Azim took his fights to the inside. I thought he looked a bit leaky, just a hands up defence and not moving his head as much to roll with the shots.
It's a tricky fight to call now.
Dalton showed he could go up a level and showed elite heart and will to win which we haven't seen from Adam. If he was losing a fight on the outside, he could start forcing the fight. He was able to smother Matias and take that fight to the inside. I didn't like what I saw when Azim took his fights to the inside. I thought he looked a bit leaky, just a hands up defence and not moving his head as much to roll with the shots.
It's a tricky fight to call now.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
AZIM YEARNS FOR ALL-BRITISH CLASH WITH SMITH, BUT WANTS A BELT FIRST
Adam Azim is targeting an all-British showdown with WBC junior welterweight champion Dalton Smith, but would like to enter the ring as a champion in his own right rather than as a challenger.
On Saturday, Azim (15-0, 12 KOs) produced an outstanding display to dismantle former world title challenger Steve Claggett inside three rounds.
The impressive win moved Azim a step closer to a world title shot.
In January, Sheffield’s Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) reached the top of the mountain when he traveled to New York and stopped Subriel Matias in five rounds to win the WBC title.
A fight between the two is inevitable and gets bigger every time either steps into the ring.
“Let me get a belt first, then we can talk about Dalton Smith. ... I'll fight him tomorrow if I have to. My trainer, Shane [McGuigan], believes in me. That's all I need,” Azim said in the ring after taking apart Claggett.
McGuigan has trained a number of top-level world champions, including Josh Taylor, Carl Frampton, Ellie Scotney and Chris Billam-Smith, but has said that Azim is the most naturally talented.
He believes the 23-year-old will go on to create a real legacy.
“I'd be doing something terribly wrong if he didn't win the world title,” McGuigan said. “I don't just think he's going to win the world title; I think he's going to be unified and a multi-weight world champion. There’s a very select few.
“Especially around 140, 147 pounds, when you go to America you get found out because all the best fighters are over there. This guy is going to be coming back winning world titles.”
Azim is ranked at No. 7 by the IBF and WBO and at No. 9 by the WBC. After the fight he called for a shot at the IBF belt.
Ben Shalom, Boxxer CEO, is responsible for getting Azim into position. He has promoted him since the early stages of his career.
Although fans have wanted to see Azim thrown in to big fights, he has been matched with older experienced names such as Claggett, Ohara Davies and Sergei Lipinets. The progress has been slow but steady, and Azim looks to have developed perfectly. Shalom believes that he is ready to prove himself at the highest level.
Just last week, the IBF ordered Mexico’s Lindolfo Delgado and dangerous Russian-Canadian Arthur Biyarslanov to fight for its vacant 140-pound title.
Shalom will work out a way for Azim to get a shot at the winner.
“That was ridiculous, the way he just pieced Steve Claggett up,” Shalom said. “He has been stopped before — very early on in his career — but he doesn't get stopped, Steve Claggett. The way he did that was phenomenal. He beats every fighter in the 140 division.
“It has to be the world title next. He's an absolute superstar and a credit to the sport but that was phenomenal.”
Adam Azim is targeting an all-British showdown with WBC junior welterweight champion Dalton Smith, but would like to enter the ring as a champion in his own right rather than as a challenger.
On Saturday, Azim (15-0, 12 KOs) produced an outstanding display to dismantle former world title challenger Steve Claggett inside three rounds.
The impressive win moved Azim a step closer to a world title shot.
In January, Sheffield’s Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) reached the top of the mountain when he traveled to New York and stopped Subriel Matias in five rounds to win the WBC title.
A fight between the two is inevitable and gets bigger every time either steps into the ring.
“Let me get a belt first, then we can talk about Dalton Smith. ... I'll fight him tomorrow if I have to. My trainer, Shane [McGuigan], believes in me. That's all I need,” Azim said in the ring after taking apart Claggett.
McGuigan has trained a number of top-level world champions, including Josh Taylor, Carl Frampton, Ellie Scotney and Chris Billam-Smith, but has said that Azim is the most naturally talented.
He believes the 23-year-old will go on to create a real legacy.
“I'd be doing something terribly wrong if he didn't win the world title,” McGuigan said. “I don't just think he's going to win the world title; I think he's going to be unified and a multi-weight world champion. There’s a very select few.
“Especially around 140, 147 pounds, when you go to America you get found out because all the best fighters are over there. This guy is going to be coming back winning world titles.”
Azim is ranked at No. 7 by the IBF and WBO and at No. 9 by the WBC. After the fight he called for a shot at the IBF belt.
Ben Shalom, Boxxer CEO, is responsible for getting Azim into position. He has promoted him since the early stages of his career.
Although fans have wanted to see Azim thrown in to big fights, he has been matched with older experienced names such as Claggett, Ohara Davies and Sergei Lipinets. The progress has been slow but steady, and Azim looks to have developed perfectly. Shalom believes that he is ready to prove himself at the highest level.
Just last week, the IBF ordered Mexico’s Lindolfo Delgado and dangerous Russian-Canadian Arthur Biyarslanov to fight for its vacant 140-pound title.
Shalom will work out a way for Azim to get a shot at the winner.
“That was ridiculous, the way he just pieced Steve Claggett up,” Shalom said. “He has been stopped before — very early on in his career — but he doesn't get stopped, Steve Claggett. The way he did that was phenomenal. He beats every fighter in the 140 division.
“It has to be the world title next. He's an absolute superstar and a credit to the sport but that was phenomenal.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Adam Azim vs. Dalton Smith - who wins?
Eddie Hearn Rejects Equal Split Demand For Dalton Smith Vs Adam Azim Fight
Hearn says Smith’s WBC title win over Subriel Matias puts the champion in control of any negotiations
Eddie Hearn has ruled out an equal purse split for a potential Dalton Smith vs. Adam Azim fight, arguing that Smith’s world-title victory over Subriel Matias gives the WBC champion a clear advantage in any future negotiations. According to the Matchroom chairman, Smith now holds the stronger position and should be treated accordingly in discussions over a possible clash.
The debate surfaced following Azim’s victory over Steve Claggett on Saturday. Speaking afterward, trainer Shane McGuigan indicated that a fight with Smith could be made even without a unification title at stake, provided both sides agreed on fair terms. However, Hearn made it clear that he sees the situation very differently.
“It can definitely get made without being a unification, but then what it is, it’s a voluntary defense. How can it be an equal split? Who has Adam Azim ever beaten?” Hearn said to The Stomping Ground. “Tell me his best win. Claggett. Dalton Smith went to New York and knocked out Subriel Matias to win the WBC world title. How can you possibly talk about an equal split?”
Smith captured the WBC title with his stoppage victory over Matias earlier this year, a win that elevated him into the conversation as one of the leading names at 140 pounds. While Azim remains unbeaten and highly regarded as a prospect, Hearn argued that his résumé does not justify parity at the negotiating table with an established world champion.
The Matchroom chairman also turned his attention to Azim’s commercial value, criticising the turnout for Saturday’s event and insisting that Smith would effectively be offering the challenger an opportunity rather than negotiating as an equal.
“I love Adam Azim, by the way. I think he’s a lovely kid, and I think he’s a great fighter. But promotionally, what they have done is the worst job I’ve ever seen,” said Hearn. “It was empty in there on Saturday [for Azim vs. Steve Claggett]. Don’t start talking to me about equal splits. Get in line. Do as you’re told. You’re a voluntary defense.”
He continued, “We’ll make you an offer. If you believe you can win the world title and beat Dalton Smith, you can take it. If not, go and win a belt. We’ll do a big unification.”
A Smith–Azim showdown remains one of the most appealing all-British fights available in the division. However, Hearn’s comments suggest that any negotiations could begin with a significant disagreement over terms, particularly regarding how the purse would be split between the two fighters.
Hearn says Smith’s WBC title win over Subriel Matias puts the champion in control of any negotiations
Eddie Hearn has ruled out an equal purse split for a potential Dalton Smith vs. Adam Azim fight, arguing that Smith’s world-title victory over Subriel Matias gives the WBC champion a clear advantage in any future negotiations. According to the Matchroom chairman, Smith now holds the stronger position and should be treated accordingly in discussions over a possible clash.
The debate surfaced following Azim’s victory over Steve Claggett on Saturday. Speaking afterward, trainer Shane McGuigan indicated that a fight with Smith could be made even without a unification title at stake, provided both sides agreed on fair terms. However, Hearn made it clear that he sees the situation very differently.
“It can definitely get made without being a unification, but then what it is, it’s a voluntary defense. How can it be an equal split? Who has Adam Azim ever beaten?” Hearn said to The Stomping Ground. “Tell me his best win. Claggett. Dalton Smith went to New York and knocked out Subriel Matias to win the WBC world title. How can you possibly talk about an equal split?”
Smith captured the WBC title with his stoppage victory over Matias earlier this year, a win that elevated him into the conversation as one of the leading names at 140 pounds. While Azim remains unbeaten and highly regarded as a prospect, Hearn argued that his résumé does not justify parity at the negotiating table with an established world champion.
The Matchroom chairman also turned his attention to Azim’s commercial value, criticising the turnout for Saturday’s event and insisting that Smith would effectively be offering the challenger an opportunity rather than negotiating as an equal.
“I love Adam Azim, by the way. I think he’s a lovely kid, and I think he’s a great fighter. But promotionally, what they have done is the worst job I’ve ever seen,” said Hearn. “It was empty in there on Saturday [for Azim vs. Steve Claggett]. Don’t start talking to me about equal splits. Get in line. Do as you’re told. You’re a voluntary defense.”
He continued, “We’ll make you an offer. If you believe you can win the world title and beat Dalton Smith, you can take it. If not, go and win a belt. We’ll do a big unification.”
A Smith–Azim showdown remains one of the most appealing all-British fights available in the division. However, Hearn’s comments suggest that any negotiations could begin with a significant disagreement over terms, particularly regarding how the purse would be split between the two fighters.