"A Fight Nobody Needs," Bellew Criticizes Azim

Former cruiserweight boxer Tony Bellew commented on Adam Azim's (11-0, 8 KOs) decision to relinquish the EBU super lightweight title (up to 63.5 kg) to fight Harlem Eubank (19-0, 8 KOs) instead of the organizationally mandated fight against Dalton Smith (16-0, 12 KOs).

"This shouldn't have happened! Instead, we get a fight that was anticipated but nobody needs," said Bellew.

However, BOXXER head Ben Shalom is confident that this bout will benefit Azim.

"It has to be the right time for Adam Azim, he's weighing up the options on the table, he has a potential fight with Eubank.

We have to create a superstar, and we need to make a decision. Do we choose Eubank or Dalton Smith? Don't get me wrong, both options are tough fights, but a fight with Dalton Smith is tougher. I think at this stage of his career, it would be the wrong decision.

A fight with Eubank will elevate Azim to superstar status. A bout between Smith and Azim would be one of the biggest fights in British boxing, sell out an arena, and possibly be PPV – they would earn five to six times more than if this fight went next," said Shalom.

It was previously revealed that Azim decided to forgo the fight with Smith, mandated by the organization, and instead chose to meet Harlem Eubank.