Undefeated British prospect Adam Azim will face Mexican contender Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in a 12-round junior welterweight (super lightweight) contest on Friday, December 4, 2026, at the Copper Box Arena in London. The bout, headlining a Boxxer-promoted card and streamed on DAZN, serves as an IBF title eliminator. The winner is expected to be in line for a shot at the vacant IBF super lightweight title in early 2027.
Ring Magazine confirmed the matchup, with Azim entering at 15-0 (12 KOs) and Valenzuela at 32-5-1 (18 KOs). The fight represents a significant step up for the rising British star against a seasoned operator with prior eliminator experience.
Fight Details
- Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
- Venue: Copper Box Arena, Hackney Wick, London
- Weight Class: Junior welterweight / Super lightweight (140 lbs)
- Rounds: 12
- Status: IBF World Super Lightweight Title Eliminator
- Promoter: Boxxer
- Broadcast: DAZN (with UK television coverage expected on BBC in some reports)
- Approx. Main Event Ring Walk: 22:00 GMT
The Copper Box, built for the 2012 Olympics, has previously hosted Azim victories, including his knockout of Ohara Davies.
Adam Azim Preview
The 24-year-old from Slough, England, nicknamed “The Assassin,” has built an impressive professional record since turning pro in 2020. He is a former European champion and has won each of his last six fights by stoppage. His most recent outing was a third-round TKO of Steve Claggett at Wembley Arena in May 2026.
Azim’s combination of speed, power (80% KO rate), and relentless pressure has made him one of Britain’s most highly regarded prospects at 140 pounds. Ranked around No. 4 by the IBF, this eliminator is viewed as his toughest test to date and a potential springboard toward a world title opportunity.
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela Preview
The 32-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico, brings significantly more professional experience. He has fought in previous world title eliminators, losing to Subriel Matias (TKO 8) and Lindolfo Delgado (split decision) in 2025. He has since returned to winning ways with a knockout victory.
Valenzuela is a durable, technical boxer with a solid jab and the ability to make life difficult for aggressive opponents. Ranked roughly No. 6 by the IBF, an upset win would immediately reinsert him into the title conversation.
Why This Fight Matters
The IBF super lightweight title is currently vacant after former champion Richardson Hitchins moved up in weight. A planned title fight between Lindolfo Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov was called off, creating a clearer path for the winner of Azim vs. Valenzuela to challenge for the belt in the first half of 2027.
For Azim, victory keeps his momentum intact and strengthens his claim as a future world champion. For Valenzuela, it offers a high-profile opportunity to reverse recent setbacks against top-level competition.
How to Watch
The Adam Azim vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela fight will air live on DAZN. UK viewers may also have access via BBC coverage depending on the full card arrangement. Exact undercard details and precise start times will be confirmed closer to the event.
Tale of the Tape
Category Adam Azim Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela Record 15-0 (12 KOs) 32-5-1 (18 KOs) Age 24 32 Height 5’11” (180 cm) 5’10” (178 cm) Stance Orthodox Orthodox KO Percentage 80% ~56% Last Fight TKO3 Steve Claggett Recent KO win
Outlook: Azim is the clear favorite due to his youth, power, and recent form, but Valenzuela’s experience and ability to survive tough fights make this a legitimate test rather than a routine showcase. A dominant performance by Azim would solidify his position near the top of the 140-pound division heading into 2027.
This matchup delivers exactly the kind of high-stakes eliminator that defines the modern super lightweight landscape.