Boxing Fight: Anthony Yarde and Dan Azeez are two of Joshua Buatsi’s favourite British opponents, but he is keen to muscle his way into a world title challenge on his own terms.
To keep his No. 1 position with the WBA and to remain in the running to contend for big championships, he must defeat the dangerous Pole Pawel Stepien on Saturday at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena.
“I know he hasn’t lost before, 18-0-1 with a good knockout percentage, so a Polish fighter that’s going to be hungry, that’s going to fight, that’s going to have the mentality of if I beat this guy who’s highly ranked it puts him up there,” Buatsi told Sky Sports.
“He is a dangerous fighter as a result.”
Buatsi of Croydon has been out of commission for about a year. Other London light-heavyweights have also become well-known during that time. While Dan Azeez won the European championship in Paris, Anthony Yarde faced off against Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed IBF, WBO, and WBC 175lb champion.
They are opponents who would provide Buatsi with thrilling battles.
“These are actual, attainable fights,” according to Buatsi. “It would be beneficial to mix it up with these other English light-heavy hitters.
“Of course, we’re focused on winning the world title, but fortunately, there are good fighters in England in my division, so it would be nice for us to fight each other,” said the boxer.
Buatsi has a close relationship with Azeez. They are longtime opponents and are both from south-east London. They don’t think twice about using their entire arsenal against one another when sparring.
“The fight would be excellent,” according to Buatsi. I sometimes question whether we are doing this for free while sparring. Why don’t we perform it and receive payment for it? Consequently, people will be amused. And they will.
“No charge. And we’re giving it our all while sparring; at least, I am; I’m not sure if Dan is. I’m giving it my best while doing it for free in exchange for being paid by an audience. Why wouldn’t we?
“I don’t think my presence at Sky precludes me or any of the other light-heavy fighters from engaging in these battles.”
Despite their friendship, they could have to collide because they are the WBA’s No. 1 and No. 2 rankings, respectively. Buatsi is well aware that they might be forced into a battle if the WBA belt were to become vacant.
“Dan Azeez is the individual who forced open the door,” he declared. He’s now a member of the group.
“He is the top wrestler in Europe and has won every belt up to that level. He can fight well. Therefore, whether or not other people want to give Dan Azeez credit, I believe he is a top-10 opponent.”
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