Promoter Eddie Hearn has attempted to call the bluff of promotional rival Ben Shalom in an effort to make one of Britain's best domestic fights.
Earlier this month, the EBU ordered their European super-lightweight champion, Adam Azim, to defend his title against British and Commonwealth champion Dalton Smith, following the former’s successful title defense at the SSE Arena against Enock Poulsen.
Twenty-one-year-old Azim halted his Danish counterpart in five rounds, with the EBU title defense serving as the chief support to the domestic light-heavyweight encounter between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez.
Azim vs Smith, following the EBU order, would send social media into a frenzied anticipation, which would pit the two super-lightweight talents against each other in the early part of their careers – if a deal can be struck.
The British Boxing Board of Control last week followed suit and ordered the pair to agree to a fight.
Sheffield native Smith returns to action next month against former world title challenger Jose Zepeda at the Sheffield Arena in what would act as Smith’s first major step-up from domestic level.
Talks between the fighters had been put on hold until after Zepeda, while Azim’s attention switched to Ramadan.
Hearn spoke of his willingness to make the fight and indicated he would go to purse bids and accept the outcome, no matter what.
Hearn told Boxing King Media he would make things easier for Azim and his promoter Shalom by allowing Smith to box on Sky Sports, which broadcasts Azim’s fights.
However Hearn, despite his offer, doubts the bout will happen due to his belief that Shalom will pull Azim away from negotiations.
“We’ll make it very easy for you,” Hearn said, aiming his message at Shalom. “We’ll do the fight on Sky. Make us an offer. You ain’t going to make us an offer. What you’re going to do, very soon, is pull Adam Azim out of that fight [against Smith].
