Adam Azim and Harlem Eubank are negotiating a potential fight for Azim’s European super lightweight title.

Azim, one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects, and the 30-year-old Eubank were joined in the ring at The O2 Arena by Barry McGuigan, who guides Azim’s career, and Chris Eubank Sr, Harlem Eubank’s uncle.

They spoke shortly before the entertaining British and Commonwealth heavyweight title fight between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, a draw that meant Wardley retains his titles. They also spoke while aware that Dalton Smith, Azim’s leading domestic rival, was present with Florian Marku, who had lost on the undercard to Chris Kongo.

“I’m ready,” said Azim. “This is what I wanted. He may be a Eubank, but I’m an Azim. It’s going to be an Azim takeover.”

“I don’t believe he wants it,” said Eubank. “His team clearly want it; his team are clearly excited but I know he doesn’t want it.” 

“It’s the next fight,” said Azim’s promoter, Boxxer’s Ben Shalom. “It’s too big an opportunity to turn down for Adam, but also too good an opportunity for Harlem.

“I think it’ll be in London in June.”

Asked if that meant the same card he expected Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi to fight on, which could also include Chris Billam-Smith-Richard Riakporhe II, Shalom responded: “We’ll see.”