British Light-Heavyweight: According to Boxxer promoter Ben-Shalom, Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez have agreed to meet in an all-British light-heavyweight match. A fight between Azeez and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol has not been approached.
Buatsi made his comeback to the ring after a year out in May, winning a unanimous decision against Pawel Stepian to begin his quest for a world championship shot.
Meanwhile, Azeez has risen through the domestic ranks to challenge the division’s leaders after capturing the European championship with a 12th-round TKO victory against Thomas Faure in Paris in March.
The long-term pals have made no secret of their desire to fight one another, and it appears that they will do it later this year.
“Both fighters have agreed to fight each other,” Shalom said, according to Sky Sports.
“It’s flattering when other promoters mention your fighters, but Dan Azeez is one of Boxxer’s most proud accomplishments.
“Finding fighters who don’t always get those opportunities, the fact that we’ve gone from about British level to English, Commonwealth, and now he’s even being discussed at the world level, it’s an incredible journey.
“The Buatsi fight is one that they’ve both agreed to, and it will undoubtedly take place this year, which British boxing fans are very excited about.”
Bivol is now awaiting word on his next opponent after a prospective rematch with Canelo Alvarez fell through, with the Mexican set to face Jermell Charlo.
Azeez had emerged as a potential challenger to Bivol’s title, but now appears set to face Buatsi.
“Dan Azeez will fight for world titles, as will Joshua Buatsi,” Shalom said.
“The light-heavyweight division is on fire right now. If Matchroom came to us with an offer for Dan to fight Bivol, we would consider it at the appropriate moment.
“However, we haven’t received any approaches.”
Meanwhile, Shalom teased a fight between the two and Anthony Yarde, who impressed in a January eighth-round knockout loss to WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
For boxing today live, boxing championship, boxing live score today, latest boxing news, boxing tournament, live boxing update, boxing live score and other boxing news follow Livematchupdates.com.
