In the world of boxing, the path to a major title shot isn't just about talent—it's about proving oneself through hard-earned victories and strategic moves. Dalton Smith, a prominent figure from Sheffield, has quite clearly articulated what Adam Azim needs to do in order to secure an opportunity to face him for the WBC super-lightweight crown. But here's where it gets controversial: will Azim be able to meet those expectations, or is this simply a gatekeeping strategy that many fighters use to control their succession?
Dalton Smith recently captured his WBC world title with a carefully balanced yet aggressive performance against Subriel Matias. This bout took place in New York earlier this month, where Smith managed to unseat the Puerto Rican champion in a stunning fifth-round knockout. Many experts and fans initially believed that Smith’s game plan would revolve around utilizing his superior footwork and ring intelligence—trying to outsmart and outbox his opponent over twelve rounds.
Surprisingly, Smith admitted that he did incorporate some of this tactical approach, but he was also willing to engage directly in the pocket, trading punches with Matias to secure the victory in a more emphatic fashion. This willingness to mix tactics is what made his win particularly noteworthy.
Following this victory, the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Smith’s next fight must be against his mandatory challenger, Alberto Puello. Puello had once held the same title before losing it to Matias under somewhat controversial circumstances last July, which added a layer of controversy and excitement to this upcoming matchup.
However, fans and insiders shouldn't overlook the simmering rivalry between Smith and Azim. The British domestic scene has been buzzing with talk of their potential showdown for nearly two years. Azim, who is only 23 years old, is preparing for a key fight against Gustavo Lemos scheduled for January 31. Success there could see him climbing the rankings swiftly, positioning him for a shot at a world title.
In a recent interview with First Round TV, Dalton Smith shared his thoughts about what Azim must do to earn a fight with him. He emphasized the importance of ‘earning your stripes’—a phrase that points to the need for consistent, high-level performances before stepping into the ring with a champion.
Smith explained, “As I mentioned before, you’ve got to earn your opportunity. I am aiming for bigger climbs at the moment. Although everyone talks about the Azim fight, it will happen when the right time comes. If Adam manages to become a mandatory contender or wins a world title himself, then he’ll truly have earned the right to fight me.”
He added, “I’ve dedicated myself fully to reaching this level, and I won’t just defend my belt or face anyone who hasn’t demonstrated they belong there.”
The road for Azim after his upcoming bout looks promising, as a win could elevate him to a second-place ranking with the IBF. This would put him in a strong position to challenge Lindolfo Delgado for a mandatory opportunity against Richardson Hitchins—a step closer to the ultimate goal of a world title shot.
So, the question remains: Do these criteria—earning your stripes, climbing the rankings—truly define who deserves a shot at the title? Or are they just barriers placed by fighters and promoters to control negotiations and protect their own interests? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Smith’s approach, or do you believe this strategy stifles opportunities for rising stars like Azim?
