Adam Azim v Franck Petitjean
Top cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe will look to continue his rise to top of the division on November 18, live on Sky Sports.
Riakporhe will seek to protect his unbeaten record and stay on course for a world title when he boxes Dylan Bregeon at The Halls in Wolverhampton on the Adam Azim vs Franck Petitjean bill.
Bregeon is a former French national cruiserweight champion and two-time EBU European cruiserweight championship challenger, who has previously taken WBO world champion Chris Billam-Smith and newly crowned British and Commonwealth champion Isaac Chamberlain the distance on his previous visits to the UK.
Riakporhe, ranked the No 1 challenger with the WBO, joins a sold-out event topped by a European title double-header as young phenom Azim challenges super-lightweight champion Petitjean, while Tyler Denny aims to continues his Cinderella story as he takes on European middleweight champion Matteo Signani.
Rising Welsh prospect Rhys Edwards is also set for action in a 10-round featherweight clash with Walsall's former British and Commonwealth champion Brad Foster.
Local favourites Dylan Cheema, Niall Berry, Gulley Power and Tion Gibbs get their chance to shine on the big stage as BOXXER and Sky Sports return to the Midlands for another unmissable night of boxing.
"A lot has happened since I've been away but on November 18 I am back and reminding everyone why I am the No 1 contender in this division," Riakporhe said.
"I take every single fight as seriously as possible because I'm right at the line of a world title fight. I'm No 1 with the WBO and come through this fight, take all of that - I'm fighting for a world title."
Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and founder, said: “It’s been a frustrating few months for us after we did have a world title agreed in France in September. Fortunately, Richard is in a great position and we expect Richard will channel that into his performance on November 18 and come back to the ring with a bang to remind fans - and his fellow cruiserweights - what he’s all about.
“It’s such an exciting time for the cruiserweight division particularly in the UK. We have Chris Billam-Smith defending his world title against Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth on December 10, Lawrence Okolie preparing for his shot at redemption, and Richard Riakporhe as the WBO’s No 1 contender waiting for the mandatory to be called.
"2024 is going to be an incredible year for the cruiserweights as we look forward to some massive fights between these three men."
Riakporhe's undefeated professional career includes a tenure as British and WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight champion as well as an early-career win over current WBO world cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith, the only loss on Billam-Smith's record.
"We're going to be paying close attention to the winner of Masternak vs CBS on December 10. It's going to be very interesting. 2024 is looking very bright," Riakporhe told Sky Sports News.
"I know CBS is going to be up for it because he understands that there's big opportunities for him as well to fight against me and [Lawrence] Okolie."
Billam-Smith and Okolie are both opponents that Riakporhe would like to fight. "Any of them can get it. I don't have no problem with that," Riakporhe said. "I've actually signed to fight all of them. Whoever wants it first, they can just queue up.
"We can just mix it," the Londoner continued. "But we have to come through this [Bregeon fight] so I'm completely focused on my opponent next week Saturday."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...aacb7d88&ei=67
Re: Richard Riakporhe v Dylan Bregeon
Adam Azim is looking to return to regular habits - ending fights early.
With two decision victories in 2023, Azim is looking to restart his run of knockout wins once more, this time at European championship level as he takes on Franck Petitjean on November 18, live on Sky Sports.
Confident he can get an inside-the-distance finish next week, Azim is positive too that his last performance, a points victory over tough, seasoned Aram Faniian, will have left him well-equipped to ensure victory whatever happens against Petitjean.
Dan Azeez cleared for Joshua Buatsi fight from mid JanuaryRichard Riakporhe fights Dylan Bregeon on November 18Stream the best boxing and more with NOW
"I'm going to be taking it to him," Azim told Sky Sports. "I'm ready for this fight and eager for the knockout."
The Faniian fight was Azim's second 10 rounder of 2023. He began the year going the distance with Santos Reyes to record another solid victory.
"I've proven a lot. I've proven that I can box, proven that I can go the full rounds, and that I can get hit and take a shot as well. Them two fights I've had this year are valuable rounds. I will learn more [from them] than knocking people out," he said.
He needed to used his patience against Faniian. "I could have got the knockout early but it's about timing and getting it right," he said.
Fighting for the illustrious European title in Wolverhampton on November 18 is coming at an early stage in Azim's professional career. He has only had nine pro bouts so far.
The undefeated super-lightweight recognises the opportunity it presents and the challenge of trying to dethrone the reigning champion.
"It's been a great year for me, now I'm fighting for the European title which is a massive thing and I'm eager to grab that belt with both hands," Azim said.
"It's the gateway to the world title, it's a massive title that people recognise."
"He [Petitjean] is a good fighter, experienced fighter and he's done well for himself," he continued. "But when he feels my speed and power, he's not going to be coming forward like what he was doing before."
"I'll be the quickest [Briton] to win the European title, I think Spencer Oliver had 11 fights [when he won it]."
The 21-year-old won't underestimate his opponent, although he believes Petitjean will make a mistake in how he chooses to approach their fight.
"He's going to be committing quite a lot but when he comes forward and tries getting inside, that's the wrong tactics. I can fight inside as well but he hasn't seen that. I'm even better with southpaws," Azim said.
"So he's in a world of trouble."
Focused on victory, Azim goes as far as predicting how he will knock out the champion.
"It's either going to be the backhand, the right or left hook or even the uppercut because I've knocked a lot of southpaws out with the uppercut," he said.
Becoming European champion would place Azim on every super-lightweight's radar. It signifies rapid progression and would be a step towards where he truly wants to be. He is aiming to beat Petitjean and then defend the championship before moving to world level.
"You've got the likes of Jack Catterall, Harlem Eubank, Dalton Smith, these fights down the line would be great," he said. "We're all trying to get that No 1 spot, but who will get there first?"
For the moment though, one of Britain's most exciting prospects is headed in the right direction.
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Re: Adam Azim v Franck Petitjean
Adam Azim has laid the foundations for a long rivalry with US superstar Keyshawn Davis and identified Teofimo Lopez as the king of the super-lightweight division he is out to dethrone in 2024.
The rising star of British boxing takes the next step in his journey on Saturday as he challenges for the EBU title against Franck Petitjean live on Sky Sports. Beating the seasoned Frenchman will see him make history in becoming the fighter to win the European title in the quickest time in what will be just his 10th professional fight this weekend in Wolverhampton.
Should he pass this latest test, the 21-year-old believes he can begin looking towards the world title picture next year having made explosive progress in one of boxing’s most compelling divisions.
‘I want it [a title shot] by this time next year, I have to become world champion,’ Azim told Metro.co.uk. ‘That’s my plan. It has been a successful road so far and after this weekend, it will be about assessing and looking at the opportunities to make sure that world title dream happens.’
It is a crowded field among the super-lightweight ranks, however. Having unified the lightweight division, Devin Haney has made the move up to 140lbs where he will challenge Regis Prograis for his WBC (Super) title in December.
But in a stacked division that also includes Ryan Garcia and domestic rival Jack Catterall, Azim believes WBO champion Lopez is the man to beat after his masterful win over Josh Taylor in the summer.
‘Devin is now in this division and he has a very tough fight against Prograis but I don’t see why he can’t beat him because I think Haney is too fast and too sharp,’ Azim said.
‘He could go onto replicate what he did at lightweight but I think Teofimo beats him. I think he is the man to beat in this weight. Teo has had his problems outside of the ring but he is a great fighter and I can’t see Haney beating him if they do get it on. Teo needs to get those fights in, he has to defend the title.’
Closer to home, Azim shares the super-lightweight division with another emerging star in Dalton Smith, the reigning British and Commonwealth champion. Smith’s promoter’s Matchroom claimed in September they had made a ‘massive offer’ to BOXXER and Azim to make that domestic dust-up happen, talk dismissed as a ‘publicity stunt’ by the young fighter.
The 21-year-old believes he and Smith are on collision course but is also focusing on building towards fights outside of the UK, with American sensation Davis, currently 10-0 at lightweight, among those keeping a watchful eye having called him out last month.
‘I don’t think we even had an offer,’ Azim said of the Smith fight. ‘I think they wanted a way to put a bit of pressure on. But the time will eventually be right for that fight. There is no rush, but the way we are both going at the moment, I think we can both get world titles and we can make it a huge fight.
‘But I’m also looking at other things. I would say Keyshawn is just as much a rival I am looking at right now, maybe more with that US factor. It has a bit more glamour. Fighting in the US is the dream ticket for any fighter.
‘Once you’ve got the name out there, people start calling you out. Keyshawn has started that; he wants a piece of that. It is a big thing.’
Azim’s immediate focus is Saturday night. Tyson Fury, Lennox Lewis, George Groves, Darren Barker and Josh Warrington are among the many fighters who took European gold before becoming champions at world level with the Slough fighter looking to join illustrious company.
‘It is a massive title, everyone knows about. It is the last stop before moving onto world level where I want to be and it is the one I wanted to win it before the end of this year,’ he said.
‘These guys are different types of opponents. they are all European level, you don’t joke around. Pettijean is a good fighter, but I feel like once I am in there, I will be able to dominate him quite easy and hopefully get that stoppage.
‘I’m too dangerous for him. He can come at me if he wants. Either way, I am ready to take his head off.’
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...dc9f4cd&ei=141
Re: Adam Azim v Franck Petitjean
Adam is only 21, never had a senior fight as an amateur and only 9 fights as a pro yet is fighting good opposition already. He is being brought forward far too quickly. Boxxer / Sky must have patience. Chill out on the hype around him. As soon as he was in with someone his own size against Aram Faniian last time he just wasn't the same kid that Boxxer was trying to make us believe. If he's getting rocked by featherfisted opponents like Faniian at this point in his career that's NOT a good sign. Seems like Azim might be packing some glass in that mandible. He should definitely be put on the suspect chin list.
Azim might turn out to be a decent kid and he certainly has time on his side but he's no where the fighter they are trying to make him out to be. He’s no Naz who had power that was a danger to anybody.
If I were Boxxer I'd make Azim against Lewis Ritson. I think he'd be best off staying away from Dalton Smith though right now. He definitely isn't a hype-job though, the more rounds he gets the better he will become. But I believe Sky want Azim to move quickly as they search for their next PPV star.
Re: Adam Azim v Franck Petitjean
Tyler Denny knows the impact his bout with European middleweight champion Matteo Signani could have on his career.
Denny challenges Signani for the title in Wolverhampton on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Making his debut at European level so close to his hometown of Rowley Regis, Denny insists he will deliver.
"This is the biggest night of my career by far, European title in Wolverhampton, close to home with loads of people from the Black Country so the noise is going to be another level," he told Sky Sports.
"Me winning - I don't see nothing else. This is my big opportunity, the one I've been asking for for so many years. And to have it on Sky Sports in Wolverhampton as well, it can't get bigger and better for me. If I can't do it now, I'm never going to be ready.
"I feel like I'm more than ready for it."
Denny has had a long, hard career already, but expects Signani to give him his toughest fight to date.
"I hope not," he said, "but more than likely it will be. It's the highest level I'll have fought at."
That won't stop him going for a knockout though. "I'd like to stop him to be fair but as long as I get the win, that's the most important thing for me," Denny said.
Denny may be 32 years old but Signani is more than a decade his senior. Known as "Il Giaguaro" - "The Jaguar" - the Italian will look to continue his successful run of European title defences.
"You've got to give him his respect, he's European champion [with a lot of] experience. But I've watched a few clips of him and I think his styles suits me really. He's a come forward type guy and I think I'll be able to pick him off," Denny said.
"I look at him and I think he's made for me."
Adding the European belt to the English title he's already won could open the way to further opportunities, potentially even a move to world level next year. When asked about his thoughts on the division including a future matchup with unified middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, Denny backed himself.
"100 per cent, I'd [fight Alimkhanuly] if I could," he said. "I think my record shows I'd fight anyone."
However, Denny has almost exceeded expectations already to have come this far.
"I'm not an overthinker, I'm very chilled and relaxed. I just think give it your all-in training and there's nothing more you can do. Just enjoy it man, I enjoy it because what boxing has given me. If I want to carry this on, I've got to keep on winning," he said.
"I never look too far ahead; I always just want to win my next fight. But when I started boxing if I would've won an area title, I would've been over the moon with that.
"Now I'm one fight away from being European champion."
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