Joshua Buatsi Defeats Dan Azeez In Light-heavyweight Showdown

Joshua Buatsi, eager for more ring action, recently faced his close friend Dan Azeez in a highly anticipated bout. Initially hesitant to fight his sparring partner and buddy, Buatsi eventually accepted the challenge when a WBA title eliminator opportunity arose.

The two fighters didn't surrender their familiarity in the ring, engaging in an intense twelve-round battle at Wembley Arena. Buatsi showcased a newfound ferocity, constantly trading blows with Azeez. Despite their friendship, both fighters pushed each other to the limit, resulting in an entertaining contest.

Buatsi scored two knockdowns in the 11th round, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 117-109 twice and 116-110. This triumph earned him the British and Commonwealth light heavyweight titles and positioned him as the mandatory challenger for Dmitriy Bivol's WBA title.

While Buatsi values his friendship with Azeez, he acknowledges that they had to set it aside for the fight temporarily. However, mutual respect remained, with both fighters expressing their love for each other after the gruelling battle.

Buatsi is eager to maintain his active fighting career despite his victory and newfound opportunities. However, the path to a title shot might require some patience, with Bivol set to face Artur Beterbiev in a title unification bout in June 2024.

Buatsi is not shying away from tough challenges, as he believes he can compete with the best in the division. He now has an opportunity to prove himself further by facing London-based slugger Anthony Yarde, currently ranked No. 3 by The Ring. Yarde had given Beterbiev a challenging fight in January 2023.