Azeez On Buatsi Bout: “We’ll Put Friendship Aside And Bash Each Other’s Heads In”

WBA Title Opportunity Births Friends-Turned-Foes Match-up

Dan Azeez focused ahead of Joshua Buatsi eliminator
Dan Azeez focused ahead of Joshua Buatsi eliminator | credit: Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

Dan Azeez Focused on Winning Eliminator Against Joshua Buatsi


On October 21, unbeaten light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) and Dan “Super” Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs) will battle it out at the O2 Arena in London, England in what is a WBA world title eliminator. Azeez is pumped up about the fight and ready to do whatever it takes to win over an opponent he knows very well.

ALL BUSINESS

There was palpable tension at the kickoff press conference for the upcoming contest. Paying tribute to the late, great Marvelous Martin Hagler, Azeez wore a red hat with the word “War”. It was clear Azeez was sending a message.

Despite being friends outside the ring, the two exchanged heated words. Speaking to media outlet Boxing Social, Azeez talked about what went down.

“I’m sure you have mates out there you are with and have disagreements with. It’s no different between me and Josh. We’re good mates. But come October 21, we’ve got to put that aside and bash each other’s heads in.”

TAKING DIFFERENT PATHS

The two friends grew up in the South end of London, fighting at the South London Amateur Boxing Club. That’s where their similarities ended.

After winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, Buatsi turned professional in July 2017 with the spotlight full on him. Several members of the British boxing press predicted world titles and stardom for the 30-year-old.

Meanwhile, Azeez went to college and earned a degree in finance. Super began his professional career in December 2017 in small local pubs in London with little fanfare.

Azeez worked his way from the bottom and is one fight away from a possible world title shot. A win over Buatsi makes him the mandatory challenger for Dmitry Bivol, the reigning WBA champion at 175.

Featured Article: Matias Calls For Haney Fight: “He Don’t Got Heart; He’s A Chicken”

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

About Mike W.2119 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.