Boxing's Biggest Mess: How Adam Azim Got Screwed Hours Before His Fight

By Lewis Barnett 7 June, 2025 6 mins read 80 Views

This is exactly the kind of nonsense that makes me want to throw my TV remote at the wall.

Adam Azim was literally getting his hands wrapped when the news broke. His fight with Eliot Chavez? Cancelled. Done. Over. And not because of some dramatic injury or contract dispute - but because Chavez apparently thought he could cheat his way to making weight by sitting in a sauna like some kind of amateur.

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The Sauna Scandal That Nobody Saw Coming

Look, I've covered boxing for eight years now, and I thought I'd seen every possible way a fight could fall apart. Fighters pulling out with "food poisoning" (yeah right), promoters having Twitter meltdowns, even that time in 2019 when a guy's cornerman got arrested for outstanding warrants two hours before the opening bell.

But this? This takes the cake.

The British Boxing Board of Control - and these guys don't mess around - pulled the plug after the Mexican Boxing Commission raised red flags about Chavez using a sauna to cut weight. Apparently that's a big no-no in their rulebook. Who knew? (Well, apparently everyone except Chavez and his team.)

Poor Azim Just Can't Catch a Break

The kid posted an angry face emoji on social media. That's it. Just one little yellow face expressing what we're all thinking. Honestly, I would've been dropping F-bombs left and right, but Azim kept it classy. His fans weren't having it though - one wrote "Sorry to hear that champ. Was looking forward to it." Another pointed out the obvious: "This is what happens when you fight someone on like a week or two notice."

Azim's only 22, unbeaten, and he grabbed the IBO light-welterweight title back in February after beating Sergey Lipinets (remember him?). The guy was ready to put on a show in Barnsley tonight, and instead he's probably sitting in his hotel room wondering what just happened.

When Confidence Meets Reality

Here's the kicker - Azim's been talking big lately. Really big. He told Sky Sports he'd fight Devin Haney next week if given the chance. Next week! The audacity is almost admirable. "I would fight Haney next week," he said, like he was talking about grabbing coffee with a friend.

His analysis of Haney was pretty brutal too: "If he's running on the backfoot, throwing one jab every two rounds, why not?" Ouch. That's the kind of trash talk that gets people's attention, especially when you're calling out a two-weight world champion.

But now? Now he can't even get through a fight with Eliot Chavez because of sauna-gate.

The Bigger Picture (And Why This Matters)

Chavez went nine rounds with Harlem Eubank back in 2022, so it's not like he's some complete unknown. This was supposed to be Azim's chance to show off in front of his home crowd, build momentum, maybe set up something bigger down the line.

Instead, fans who bought tickets are left watching Callum Simpson face Ivan Zucco for the European super-middleweight championship. Don't get me wrong - that's still a solid main event, with the ring walks expected around 9:30pm in South Yorkshire. But it's not what people were expecting when they planned their Saturday night.

The whole thing just feels like a waste. Azim took this fight on short notice, probably saw it as easy money and good practice. His team did all the prep work, the promotion machine was rolling, and then... sauna drama.

Sometimes I wonder why I fell in love with this sport. Then I remember nights like these are exactly why boxing stays interesting, even when it's driving us all completely insane.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a boxer progress from amateur level to professional level?

Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing entails a significant step up in competition, training intensity, and mental preparation. An amateur must demonstrate a high level of performance by taking part in local or national competitions. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.

What are some of the most important components in a boxer’s training regime?

A boxer’s training program is typically composed of a few key components. These include technical skills development, tactics drills, strength-and-conditioning, sparring, as well as mental preparation. While tactical drills are used to develop fighting strategies and improve defensive moves, technique-focused workouts focus on improving punch accuracy. Training exercises increase athleticism and sparring gives you a practical fighting experience. Mental training helps build confidence, focus, resilience and resilience.

What is required to begin training in professional boxing?

For someone to train professionally in boxing, they need to be disciplined, physically fit and willing to learn. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. You should join a reputable gym with trainers who are experienced and understand the nuances in professional boxing competition. To develop their skills, new boxers will undergo rigorous conditioning drills as well as sparring and technique drills.

What is required for a professional boxer to begin?

The essential boxing equipment for someone who is just getting started in professional fighting includes gloves, wraps, a headgear and footwear. Training aids such as heavy bags, speed bags, double-end bags, and other training tools are crucial for technical workouts. It is essential to use equipment that provides protection and durability. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of injury.

How important is physical training in professional boxing?

Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers need to engage in a customized fitness program, which includes aerobic and anaerobic exercise, strength and resistance exercises, and flexibility workouts. Boxers' ability to perform and train effectively in the ring will be compromised if they do not have superior physical condition.

Are there age restrictions for learning to box professionally?

There are age restrictions in professional boxing. Most boxing commissions require that boxers be 18 years or older to compete professionally. While there isn't a specific upper age limit, health and physical factors will limit how old you can compete safely and effectively. It's crucial for older athletes to be thoroughly assessed for fitness and risk before taking up the sport professionally.

What type of diet is best for a beginner boxer?

A novice boxer needs to follow a balanced nutritional diet that will fuel intense workouts while promoting recovery. The general recommendation is to eat a combination of carbohydrates and proteins for energy. Lean protein helps repair and grow muscles, while healthy fats are good for your overall health. It is also important to consume vitamins and minerals as well. A sports nutritionist will be able to provide a customized diet plan tailored to the boxer’s training regime and weight class goals.

Statistics

Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.

External Links

How To

How to Reduce Weight Before a Boxing Fight

Managing your weight before a boxing fight requires a disciplined approach. Create a nutrition program that emphasizes hydration and complex carbohydrates while cutting down on foods high in sodium and fat. Water weight can be controlled by increasing your water consumption several weeks prior to the fight, and then gradually decreasing it. If necessary, incorporate sauna sessions and increase your workout intensity to lose extra pounds. But always put safety first and avoid extreme weight loss methods.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/why-id-rather-take-a-dive-than-fight-my-best-mate