Buatsi And Azeez Set To Clash In Thrilling Last Eliminator For WBA Title

Former friends turned rivals to battle for supremacy in high-stakes bout at the O2 Arena

Buatsi and Azeez, who were once close friends from South London but have since become rivals, will square off at the O2 Arena on October 21 in a thrilling contest that will serve as the last eliminator for the WBA champion Dmitry Bivol's title.

Despite beginning their careers at the same amateur boxing club in South London, both fighters are scheduled to face off next month due to two very different courses they have taken.

"Both fighters have agreed to fight each other," said promoter Ben Shalom. 

“It's flattering when other promoters are talking about your fighters but Dan Azeez is with Boxxer, he's one of our proudest achievements,” said promoter Ben Shalom in media reports.

Dan Azeez (20-0,13 KOs won the European title by defeating Thomas Faure through TKO in the 12th round in Paris in March.

Joshua Buatsi (17-0,13 KOs) made his ring comeback in may after a year away, cruising to a unanimous decision victory over Pawel Stepian to restart his quest for a world title shot.

"This will decide who's number one in south London, who's the best in the UK," said Azeez in media reports.

"Our pride is on the line, so that's more than enough,"  said Azeez in media reports.

Azeez has experienced an unbelievable ascent in the sport from an economics student at Essex University to a fighter now vying for a world title opportunity. In contrast to "why is this fight important," he reminded Buatsi that the question was "why is this fight happening now."

"Why is it happening? Because you’re the guy I have to get through," said Buatsi . 

“It’s a final eliminator so it has to be you Dan,” said Buatsi in media reports.

Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager