“2025 is definitely when I break myself through to the world stage. Lipinets is a good fighter, but has he fought anyone like me? He hasn’t. He only loses at the elite level. I’m going to prove I’m an elite fighter. I’m ready for anyone.”

Shane McGuigan, who trains Azim, said they asked for Lipinets and Boxxer delivered: “What I’m seeing in the gym is phenomenal. It’s frightening. He’s looking sensational. I’ve never seen a fighter like that up close. I think it’s the perfect fight. He’s 35 but he’s still fresh. He’s fought Boots [Ennis], he’s fought Mikey Garcia, he can punch, comes forward and it’s a statement.”

Lipinets was not in attendance at today’s presser in Central London but admitted the fight was “make or break” for him. He will travel to England from his California camp 10 days ahead of the February 1 bill at the OVO Arena.

Also on the show, Viddal Riley, 12-0 (7 KOs), and Isaac Chamberlain meet in an enticing all-London cruiserweight fight. Riley talked of the respect he has for Chamberlain but admitted that “the hype” is building for the fight. The two have been feuding for some time.

It’s a step up for Riley, while Chamberlain, 16-3 (8 KOs), will be aiming to show that he’s not a gatekeeper.

“Me and Isaac have been good at going back and forth, what’s different?” said Riley, with Chamberlain not talking much at the presser.

Chamberlain said he had grown out of going tit-for-tat and that he’s matured above getting into a press conference row. “All of the bravado is cute, but it’s just bravado. That’s all it is.”

Chamberlain added: “I feel like it’s the right moment. Right now, I’m just focused on February 1st. We’ve done all the circus act. It’s time to lock in.”

Also in attendance was former world super middleweight champion George Groves, on hand with the 1-0 cruiserweight prospect he trains and manages, Lucas Roehrig.

Groves said of his protégé, who is from the same Dale Youth ABC that Groves fought out of: “Lucas is a special talent. He’s a very special talent.”

Roehrig, who has recently banked sparring rounds with Jai Opetaia, said: “I’m in the gym every day with George. Continued learning and just getting better. I’m looking forward to the next one. I’m addicted to that feeling now of fighting as a professional.”

Having sparred with Opetaia, Roehrig added: “It was priceless to be able to rub shoulders with the No.1 in my division.”

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said Lipinets was “a formidable opponent” for Azim and said of the cruiserweight London cruiserweight derby that it was “a fight that I’ve wanted to make for so, so long. It’s a grudge match, it’s a fiery match, it’s a pressure fight. Both need to win the fight for different reasons and both are under so much pressure to win.”