Ben Whittaker to Keep Watch on the Buatsi vs Azeez Winner
A key light heavyweight division matchup will occur on February 3 between unbeaten fighters Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) and Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs). One fighter with a vested interest in that match is Ben “The Surgeon” Whittaker (5-0, 4 KOs), who fancies his chances against either man.
Buatsi versus Azeez is a WBA world title eliminator. Whittaker fights on the undercard against Khalid Graidia in an eight-round contest. During an exclusive interview with Sky Sports Boxing. The Surgeon broke down how he would fare against them.
“Skill-wise, I’m there now. But it’s about experience . . . I’m 26; a couple more fights, a couple of more testing fights after this Saturday, throw me in the mix because I believe I’ll beat them both.”
TOO MUCH TOO SOON?
Whittaker is arguably Britain’s best and most talked-about prospect. As a 2020 Olympic silver medalist, there are big expectations of him from British boxing observers. Before turning pro, Whittaker was particularly interested in facing Azeez, a fighter he feels he beats with relative ease. The surgeon has also sparred numerous rounds with Buatsi.
For those who have seen Whittaker in action, he oozes talent. He makes things look effortless and often has toyed with his opponents. Some in the boxing community feel that he’s too cocky for his own good and that it’s unwise to talk up a fight with either Buatsi or Azeez.
However, The Surgeon is not your ordinary up-and-comer. He’s uber-talented and has the kind of ability where he can shoot up the ranks very quickly. He also has some inside info and intrinsic knowledge of both men based on sparring so many rounds with them. So, Whittaker says that he’s on par with Buatsi and Azeez in the skills department; some pundits think that assessment is spot on.
Boxxer is the promoter of all three fighters, and Whittaker is on the fast track. If he keeps progressing, it’s not out of possibility’s realm to think that the British promotional giant would put him in the ring against either Buatsi or Azeez in the next 12-18 months.
