Dalton Smith calls out Adam Azim after KO win over Jose Zepeda; Eddie Hearn questions BOXXER

The 27-year-old put on a clinic in Sheffield as he knocked out experienced Jose Zepeda with a crushing body shot in the fifth round.

Defeating a three-time world title challenger in such clinical fashion undoubtedly moves Smith to the next level.

Speaking after the fight, Thunder told DAZN: "A lot of people thought this was too soon for me. That's what made me train harder. I don't speak much rubbish, I do my talking in the ring and I've done exactly that tonight.

"I hit him with some clean shots and I was thinking I could hurt him here. I can put people to sleep.”

Looking ahead, the Brit appears determined to take on Adam Azim in an all-British showdown.

He added: “I don’t call many names out, but I got one name. Adam Azim, where are you at? 

“He thought I was going to lose tonight but I bet he vacates now. I have a lot of respect for him, he's a lovely kid. I want that European belt. If you want a couple of years to develop then vacate."

Azim, who is the current European champion, is represented by Ben Shalom’s BOXXER.

Smith’s promotor and Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has questioned whether there is real appetite from BOXXER for this fight to take place.

Hearn told YouTube channel The Stomping Ground: “I want him to go on and win a world title, but I want him to be in big fights.

“Of course, the Azim fight is a big fight, but are they ready to gamble? You’re not going to get it, so get out of the way. This kid is going all the way, a world class fighter.”

Azim, just like Smith, is unbeaten in the professional ranks and boasts an 11-0 record with eight knockouts to his name.