Those victories prepared Azim to attack and exchange. They did not prepare him for someone who will continue punching while being hit. Matías brings heavier hands, a punishing body attack and far more experience against world-level opposition.

If Azim or his team believes the 34-year-old Matías is finished after his fifth-round knockout loss to Dalton Smith in January, they may be in for a rude awakening.

Matías gave Smith plenty of trouble before the stoppage and might have taken control had Smith not repeatedly tied him up at close range. Two judges had Smith leading 39-37 through four rounds, with the third giving Matías the same advantage. It was not a one-sided beating before Smith produced the finish.

Azim is not known for clinching. His instinct is to attack with fast combinations and remain close enough to continue exchanging. Such aggression has overwhelmed older and more limited fighters, but it would give Matías the extended inside fight he wants.

Another concern is Azim’s habit of pulling straight back after finishing combinations, sometimes with his chin high and his hands out of position. No one on his record has consistently punished him for it. Matías follows retreating fighters with hooks to the head and body, making that defensive flaw especially dangerous near the ropes.

The Alberto Puello fight showed what Matías can produce when given prolonged access at close range. He threw 766 punches and landed 101 to the body across 12 rounds. Liam Paro reduced his output through movement and frequent holding. Smith also denied him extended exchanges by tying him up.

Following the same blueprint would require Azim to box on the move for the entire fight and resist the temptation to plant his feet. He attacks in quick bursts and then takes short pauses before starting again. Matías tries to remove those recovery periods by staying close and forcing opponents to work continuously.

Azim may have the speed to build an early lead, but trying to beat Matías at his own game would be a dangerous choice. He has never faced anyone with this level of power or body attack. The offer shows considerable confidence from his team. If Matías accepts, the fight will show if that confidence is justified.