ADAM Azim will no longer feature on the undercard of Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco later this evening, with his opponent, Eliot Chavez, having been withdrawn from their short-notice contest.
The pair were supposed to collide at Oakwell Stadium – home of Barnsley Football Club – in Yorkshire, England, following their late addition to the Boxxer card.
As it happened, the announcement emerged on Wednesday, confirming that Azim, 13-0 (10 KOs), would sharpen his tools ahead of a far more meaningful fight later this year.
That plan, however, has now been scuppered, with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) ultimately removing Chavez from the show.
The governing body’s decision followed concerns raised by the Mexican Boxing Commission, indicating that Chavez had used a sauna in order to make weight yesterday.
Both fighters had hit the scales at 143lbs, and yet the Mexican’s methodology to strip the weight off is – in theory, at least – prohibited by the Board.
It is worth mentioning, though, that Chris Eubank Jr – who publicly alluded to his use of a sauna in April – was nonetheless permitted to enter a showdown with Conor Benn.
But in any case, it was reported by Sky Sports – the broadcaster of tonight’s show – earlier today that the BBBoC has, on this occasion, put its foot down.
Sky Sports Boxing wrote on X: “The British Boxing Board of Control has withdrawn permission for Eliot Chavez to face Adam Azim following concerns raised by the Mexican Boxing Commission relating to Chavez’s use of a sauna to make weight.”
As for the card itself, a transatlantic super-middleweight dustup between Mark Jeffers and Sean Hemphill will – as originally planned – occupy the co-main event slot.
The headline act, meanwhile, will see British and Commonwealth champion Simpson go for European honours at 168lbs against fellow unbeaten operator Zucco.
