Newly crowned EBU (European) light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez (19-0) arguably stole the show last weekend in Paris in claiming the EBU title with a twelfth-round stoppage of Thomas Faure. Azeez has secured his progression up the world ratings via the traditional route of claiming domestic titles (British, Commonwealth and English) rather than the now standard international title route some fighters take to set out by their promoters/managers.
Dan Azeez is currently on the books of Boxxer, now their number one pick for 175lbs amongst their stable. However, 2016 Olympian Joshua Buatsi (16-0) is heavily linked to joining Azeez at Boxxer. This follows Buatsi’s former teammate (and promotional stablemate) on team GB, Lawrence Okolie and his recent switch from Matchroom to Boxxer, which has only added more fuel to the fire that Buatsi is set to leave Matchroom also.
Dan Azeez classes Buatsi as one of his best friends and would fight Buatsi if the money was right regardless if he is signed to Boxxer or not promotionally. Speaking to Boxingscene, Azeez says that he learnt from Buatsi as they developed their craft together in the amateur ranks. Now he feels that industry figures are putting him on the same level as Buatsi and feels it is deserved.
“Whether he signed or not, if we’re going to fight, we’re going to fight,” Azeez says.
Furthermore, Azeez continues to add that he would happily accept that challenge if he was offered a world title opportunity against Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol. Dan is set to link back up with trainer Buddy McGurt in the next couple of weeks so that he feel’s he can be suitably prepared for the world scene.
“If they offer me a world title fight now, I’ll take it,” he adds. “I feel like it’s a win-win.
“It’s the only belt I haven’t won yet. But fights with Bivol or Beterbiev, why would I turn that down?
“I honestly don’t know what’s next. I was supposed to be back out in May but my team said I fought in December and March, they want me to have a break. But I just like to fight, this is my job and I don’t do anything else.
“I’ll probably head straight out to wherever Buddy McGirt is, whether that’s LA or Florida. I want to work on my craft, man. I’m stepping up now, I’m getting ready for the world scene now. It’s not about getting there and fumbling, I need to be ready. I’ll go back out to America within the next few weeks.”
