The former world title challenger Ohara Davies will look to return to winning ways as he shares the ring with rising star Adam Azim at the Copper Box Arena in Hackney on Saturday, 19 October.
Can Azim get a statement win in this super lightweight affair? Or is Davies going to suffer another demoralising defeat?
Check out our Azim vs Davies prediction below, complete with the latest odds and betting tips.
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Tale of the tape
Azim is yet to taste defeat in his fledgling career, but he faces an entirely different beast in Davies.
The Slough native has put together a marvellous string of 11 victories, including eight knock-outs. He became the European super-lightweight champion in 2023 and will be keen on retaining his invincible record.
But Davies will be a significant step up for the 22-year-old.
Davies will be doing the ring walk as the hometown hero. The Hackney fighter has experienced both highs and lows over the course of his 28-fight career.
Although he has only suffered three losses, Davies will undoubtedly regret not having secured a world title yet. His most recent opportunity slipped through his fingers when he was defeated by Ismael Barroso in January, losing out on the WBA interim light-welterweight belt.
Azim vs Davies hot tip: This one ends quick
Azim lacks the experience, but he is the overwhelming favourite to win this fight.
With 26 knockout wins between them, it’s evident that both of these fighters pack incredible firepower. Azim has not been on the receiving end of one, but Davies has had the bitter taste twice.
We believe Azim will win this bout because of his superior form, agility, and age advantage. However, punting on the fight to end under 5.5 rounds offers better value. Azim beat his opponents in less than three minutes in three of his last five fights.
Davies, on the other hand, dropped on the floor against Barroso within two minutes. With that in mind, we believe the fight will settle within 5.5 rounds.
Azim vs Davies: Key stats
- Aziz and Davies have similar knockout ratios. While ‘the Assassin’ knocked out his opponents in 73% of his fights, Davies sent his rivals to the canvas in 72% of his bouts.
- Davies could not last till the final bell in two of three of his career defeats. He could not survive beyond the first round in his last fight.
- Adam Azim's last fight was eight months and 16 days ago, while Ohara Davies has been out of the ring for nine months and 13 days.
- Davies could not land any of the nine punches he threw against Barroso in his last fight.
Fight odds and win probability
Here are the current Azim vs Davies odds:
- Adam Azim: 1/8 (1.13) – Implied probability 88.9%
- Ohara Davies: 5/1 (6.00) – Implied probability 16.7%
- Draw: 18/1 (19.00) – Implied probability 5.3%
*Azim vs Davies betting odds from Betfred, subject to change.
Keys to victory
Davies had seemingly brought his career back on track with seven straight wins. The loss to Ismael Barroso ended his winning streak and cast serious doubt over his world title credentials. While he gets the edge in experience, Azim looks to be the man in form.
Azim has not faced a fighter of Davies’ calibre thus far. However, he has shown great maturity inside the ring, so we believe experience will not be a defining factor in this battle.
Adam Azim: Exploit Davies’ poor footwork
Davies’ footwork is not the best in the business, and in recent times, it has appeared to be worse. Against Barroso, he repeatedly exposed himself and failed to retreat in time to escape the shower of punches.
He took eight hits in the first round in the same fight before the clock hit the third-minute mark. Davies fell flat in two of those, and he could not get back on his feet in the final one. Azim, therefore, would be looking to make the best of his punching prowess and speed to condemn Davies to an early defeat.
Ohara Davies: Take advantage of Azim’s flawed positioning
Patience might not be the best path forward for Davies in this fight. The mental toll of losing a world title fight is not simple. So, we don’t expect him to be in his best shape in this fight. But, if he is to win this, he should look for an early resolution as well.
Davies can still hit hard at the age of 32. While his punching was abysmal in the Barroso fight, he must regain confidence and grasp the opportunities. Azim often gets too focused on the offence when he gets going. This could open up some precious openings, which Davies can take advantage of with some powerful jabs.
Bren is our resident Kiwi, and has been playing or watching sports down under in New Zealand for the better part of three decades. With 12+ years experience as a professional writer, Bren loves to dive deep into all things sport to bring the best betting analysis and predictions here at Mr Fixits Tips.
