Dalton Smith has asserted his confidence should he eventually face Adam Azim, claiming he has the rising star`s `number`, but insists his immediate focus is firmly fixed on becoming a world champion.
The 28-year-old super-lightweight contender has begun 2025 strongly, securing impressive victories over Walid Ouizza and Mathieu Germain. These performances have propelled Smith back into the world title picture following a period hampered by injuries.
Smith`s recent form has earned him the position of mandatory challenger for the WBC Super Lightweight title. The belt is currently held by Alberto Puello, who is reportedly set to make a voluntary defence against Subriel Matias in July.
“I feel ready for that world title opportunity,” Smith stated recently. “Obviously, 2025 has started well. Last year, I had a significant victory over [Jose] Zepeda before facing an injury. My goal was to stay as active as possible this year. We`ve had a strong start with two fights and two wins in 2025, leading to this mandatory challenger position for the WBC title. I`m in an excellent spot.”
“I believe I`ve earned this mandatory position,” he added. “Puello has a voluntary defence scheduled first, and if that goes according to plan, I`ll get my world title shot.”
Pursuing a world title fight would naturally postpone a highly anticipated potential clash with Adam Azim. The dynamic Adam Azim has rapidly ascended the boxing ranks, boasting an impressive professional record of 13 wins with 10 knockouts. Many observers view a future fight between him and Smith as a compelling and potentially explosive all-British showdown.
Although his priority is currently world championship success, Smith confirmed that a fight against Azim “will absolutely happen.”
“My priority is to win a world title first, but the fight with Azim isn`t going anywhere,” Smith commented. “There`s too much demand and discussion surrounding it for it not to happen eventually, both from my side and his. The fight is inevitable due to the high public interest. Regardless of other potential matchups, as long as I keep winning and my fights grow in significance, my career trajectory won`t pause for Adam Azim. My primary goal is to become a world champion, and I`m currently just one fight away from potentially achieving that.”
Smith holds respect for his potential future opponent. “I regard Adam as a very talented fighter,” he said. “I always give credit where it`s due, and I thought he performed exceptionally well in his recent bout. Sometimes you just know you have a strategic advantage or a `number` on a particular opponent. This can stem from factors like experience, boxing style, fighting approach, or even the psychological aspect.”
“Adam has successfully handled the opponents he`s faced,” Smith continued. “He is indeed a very good fighter, and frankly, I hope Adam continues to succeed and even wins a world title himself, because that would only make a future fight between us bigger and more significant. Every top fighter eventually needs that key rivalry, that `dancing partner`. However, I`m currently in a more advanced position than Adam regarding world titles. My aim is to go and win a world championship, and *then* if our fight can be arranged, it will be an even more massive event!”
Expert Opinion: Johnny Nelson on Smith vs. Azim
According to boxing expert Johnny Nelson, Dalton Smith`s experience gives him an advantage over the younger, 23-year-old Adam Azim at this moment.
Nelson commented, “I have to favor Dalton at this point. While I believe Adam is a great fighter, Dalton is simply brilliant. Having observed him closely, you witness his innate skill and hand-eye coordination – qualities that are instinctive, not learned. The way he conducts himself both inside and outside the ring is impressive. I`ve seen many future champions with similar traits. Provided he continues on the right path and avoids injuries, I foresee Dalton becoming an outstanding, pure fighter!”
“The dynamic is interesting because you have Adam Azim, whose rise is exciting, but then you see Dalton, who possesses greater maturity and ring experience compared to the younger Adam,” Nelson added. “Perhaps it would be strategically better for Dalton to face Azim sooner rather than waiting until a later stage in their careers.”
Murray Blackwood