PROMOTER Ben Shalom believes Adam Azim has the potential to be “one of the greatest” boxers ahead of his Saturday test against Sergey Lipinets.

The unbeaten 22-year-old continues his rapidly progressing career when he faces former world champion Lipinets in London.

Slough’s Azim, who is signed to Shalom’s Boxxer promotion, will look to build on October’s stoppage win over Ohara Davies.

“Because he started with us when he was 18 or 19, I always think he’s older than he is and it’s mental to think that he’s 22,” Shalom said.

“Most fighters are just starting out their amateur careers at that age and he’s headlined on Sky Sports a few times.

“He’s around people with that much talent and ability and he’s on track to become one of the greatest that we’ve ever seen, I really believe that and what an opportunity he’s got on February 1.”

The super lightweight, who is trained by Shane McGuigan, defeated Franck Petitjean to claim the European title in 2023 but vacated that belt after a single defence.

Shalom compared Azim’s early career success, which has seen him build a 12-0-0 record, to the likes of Mike Tyson as he continues his bid to gain world champion status.

“He’s become European champion already and he’s fighting former world champions now,” Shalom added when asked about Azim’s progression.

“It’s just unbelievable progression and he has maturity as well, it’s amazing to see.

“We’ve seen it with Mike Tyson and Prince Naseem Hamed but it’s very rare, especially at this age and in this era.

“For him to be doing it this young is pretty unique.”

At 35, Kazakh fighter Lipinets is 13 years Azim’s senior ahead of his first fight in Britain.

Azim is hoping to produce a fourth successive career stoppage this weekend at Wembley Arena.

“I’m feeling really good,” Azim said.

“Lipinets has been up there with elite fighters and I’m looking to stop him in the fight.

“I’m expecting him to try and use his experience over me. The only way he can fight is on the front foot and that’s a very bad move from him and for me that’s even easier than when people are running back.”