Boxxer to Reschedule IBF Eliminator After Azim and Lemos Sidelined
A rare "double withdrawal" has hit Boxxer’s January 31 card as both Adam Azim and Gustavo Lemos are out with hand injuries. Originally an IBF eliminator to face champion Richardson Hitchins, the bout will now be rescheduled for later in 2026 as both contenders head to the sidelines to recover.
In a sport as physically demanding as boxing, injuries are an inevitable part of many fighters’ careers. However, it is still quite rare for both combatants of a main event to pull out due to injury, but that is the unfortunate news Boxxer shared on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Both super lightweight contenders were forced to withdraw from their IBF eliminator, scheduled for January 31, due to injuries.
“Lemos has been forced to withdraw due to a hand injury. A replacement opponent was secured, but following an injury suffered in his final sparring session, scan results received yesterday confirmed that Azim is also unable to box,” Boxxer shared in a press release.
Despite the setback, Boxxer plans to reschedule the eliminator for a later date. Azim hoped to build upon the momentum he created in 2025 with wins against Sergey Lipinets and Kurt Scoby. Meanwhile, Lemos is looking to chart a path back to title contention after suffering a brutal knockout loss against Keyshawn Davis in 2024. Since then, he’s fought once, earning a TKO victory against 13-fight pro Miguel Angel Bolano of Colombia.
The eventual winner of the bout will be positioned as the second-ranked contender for the IBF super lightweight championship, currently held by Richardson Hitchins. The champion from Brooklyn, New York, is expected to defend his title against Oscar Duarte on February 21, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
