London - Adam Azim successfully defended his European super lightweight title against Enock Poulsen but didn’t get the clean, highlight reel finish he has grown accustomed to.

Poulsen won the European 140lb title back in 2022 but was forced to vacate the belt and came to London determined to reclaim his property. 

During an opening fact finding round where both fighters sought to establish their jabs, Poulsen showed good footwork and was able to operate at a safe distance. He did catch Azim with a left hook as the champion from Slough exited one exchange whilst Azim spent the round probing with his left hand and firing in a couple of quick left hooks which were blocked.

Azim’s time spent investing in his jab began to reap dividends in the second round as he consistently found himself at the right range to put his right hand over the top of Poulsen’s low left hand. There was no panic from the Dane who tried to punch with the 21-year-old but couldn’t get his own feet close enough to land with any real impact.

Poulsen had set his stall out for a long fight, keeping a tight guard and not taking too many risks, concentrating on simple straight shots and not allowing himself to be drawn into exchanges. Azim just kept working with what he was given, chipping away at Poulsen. He continued to gauge the distance with that left hand and looked for openings to head and body with the right. 

The fight was a nip and tuck affair. Poulsen was losing the rounds but seemed to be saving himself for a late round charge although it has to be said, Azim didn’t look like he had needed to get out of second gear himself.

Suddenly, his challenge ended. Poulsen’s right shoulder dislocated three times when he won the title against Franck Petitjean in 2022 and as he and Azim engaged at close quarters, he threw a right hook. The shot glanced off Azim’s arm and went upwards at an awkward angle. Immediately recognizing the familiar sickening pain of a dislocated shoulder, Poulsen (14-1, 5 KO’s) dropped to his knee and shook his head. Realizing he was in no position to continue, he sat out the count. The time was 2.39 of the fifth round.

21 year old Azim (11-0, 8 KO’s) will look to stay busy and push on toward world class.