War of words - but when will the fight happen?

Azim chalked up an impressive stoppage win against Ohara Davies last Saturday at the Copper Box Arena to record his 12th straight win before SKY TV cameras.

The 22-year-old rising star is someone, though, that Smith feels he could beat in a high-profile all British fight that would bring in highly-lucrative purses for both.

The potential meeting has been on the cards for a while, but Azim's team has previously appeared reluctant to bring forward a date.

Smith, the Steel City super lightweight, responded to Saturday night's win by his rival with a tactical tweet: “Adam Azim congrats on the win that’s what we needed.

I heard Eddie Hearn (promoter) and Turki Alalshikh (the Saudi Arabian behind some of the world's richest fights) was sat talking some big fights for next year.

”There was no animosity in the post - but it didn't go down to well with Azim, who relinquished his European belt in April, as promoters were preparing to bid for a Smith v Azim face off.

Speaking just after his win over Davies, he said: "That fight is there. It's always going to be there, he's just in a rush. I'm not. I don't fear any fight.

"It would be nice if it is going to be a main event not on an undercard. When I do fight him I am going to teach him a lesson.“I’m just sick and tired of him talking about me.

"He can keep carrying on but when my development is going up there (upwards trajectory) then the time when I am fully developed as a professional, it's going to be dangerous for him, I'll tell you that."

In another interview, Azim seemed to suggest he would fight 27-year-old Smith next, as long as the money was right.

He also accused Smith of not being not "man enough" to say things to him directly.

"When that fight comes, I’m going to teach him a lesson."

Suggestions that Smith wouldn't have the courage to say anything to him directly to Azim seem at odds with the Handsworth man's publicly-stated desire to take him on in the ring.

But for now Smith is concentrating on his European match-up with Spaniard Jon Fernandez.

Details have yet to be announced.Meanwhile Sheffield Boxing Centre's top amateur Teagn Stott, from Hillsborough, has been crowned Under 23 European Cruiserweight champion.

He earned a unanimous decision victory in the 86kg final against Ashot Kocharian, of Sniatyn, Ukraine in Sofia, Bulgaria.GB Boxing described it as a "classy performance."