JOSHUA BUATSI officially announced his next fight during an appearance on Sky Sports News today.
The 30-year-old has signed a contract to face his friend and Boxxer stable-mate, Dan Azeez.
“He has done his part, so now it’s my turn to do mine and look forward to a big fight, a big domestic clash in October hopefully,” said Buatsi.
A few days before his tick-over fight in Milan on Saturday, Dan Azeez announced that he had signed his contract to fight a man he has sparred with hundreds of times. All that’s left now is to determine the date and venue for the light-heavyweight South London derby.
“He is someone I am very familiar with, but we understand what’s at stake,” Buatsi said. “And it’s a final eliminator for a world title, which is what we want to win. So, for 12 rounds or less, we can make it happen.”
Croydon’s Buatsi, who has a record of 17-0 with 13 knockouts, joined Boxxer earlier this year after parting ways with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn. While the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist may have the pedigree and the more recognizable name, it is Azeez who has all the momentum. In less than two years, Azeez has won the British, Commonwealth, and European titles at 175lbs. The 33-year-old has recently vacated the European title, which he won in France against Thomas Faure with a stoppage in the final round of their March matchup.
Given their friendship and the countless rounds of sparring they have had against each other, it is well-known how well both Buatsi and Azeez know each other’s styles. Both fighters should have a clear idea of what to expect on fight night.
“We know how Dan fights,” Buatsi remarked. “He’s going to be there to win. He has a specific approach, and I have that approach too. Whether we are friends or not, if someone comes to do that to me on Sky Sports, what can I do? I have to fight back and show up. It’s something I’m looking forward to.”
When asked if the amount of time they have spent sparring is a positive or a negative, Buatsi responded, “For now, it becomes irrelevant or something I couldn’t care less about. In our subconscious, we know how that sparring went and what to do and what I need to work on based on that. The beauty of it now is that we have different trainers. I would say we have both actually improved, so it’ll be good to see how that unfolds over 12 rounds.
Azeez, who holds a record of 20-0 with 13 knockouts, is now well-known for his pressure fighting style. The fighter from Lewisham has effectively utilized his aggressive approach and powerful punches, which have resulted in five stoppages in his last seven fights.
“We know he’s a pressure fighter,” Buatsi said.
“He may come out and box for a bit, but eventually, he will revert to what he does, or he may start off doing what he does and just be better at it. Whether it’s long range, short range, or mid-range, I will prepare for any type of style. I’m not focusing on just one style. I’m preparing for everything, so in the end, like my boy said to me when we walked in, we just have to win.”