Dan Azeez to Battle Joshua Buatsi in a WBA Light Heavyweight Eliminator
British light heavyweight Dan “Super” Azeez (19-0, 13 KOs) warned that if potentially fighting for a world title meant fighting friend and sparring mate Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs), so be it. It looks like that moment has arrived, with the WBA ordering a fight between Azeez and Buatsi for a final world title eliminator. Word on the street is they will face each other on August 19 at a location to be determined.
Buatsi is ranked #1 by the WBA. Azeez is ranked #2 at 175 by the sanctioning body. The winner will be named the WBA mandatory challenger for reigning WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
FRIENDSHIPS GO OUT THE WINDOW
The friendship between Azeez and Buatsi goes back many years. They’ve sparred numerous rounds against one another. But when Buatsi signed with Boxxer in March 2023, you could see that a fight between him and Azeez was a distinct possibility. The British-based promotional outlet already has Azeez in the fold. Buatsi’s debut with Boxxer was a lackluster win over Pawel Stepien in May 2023.
With wins over Reece Cartwright, Shaken Pitters, and Rocky Fielding, Azeez has quickly shot up the WBA rankings. Super is now just one fight away from his dream of fighting for a world title.
Buatsi has had more fanfare and hype than Azeez in British boxing circles. But there remains a stream of skepticism about Buatsi. The talent is obvious, but some wonder whether the 30-year-old has what it takes to be become a world champion.
