Buatsi Vs. Azeez Breakdown

February 2, 2024

5 months

Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez face off on Saturday in a WBA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

Buatsi is undefeated with a 17-0 record, which includes a 76.47% knockout ratio in the form of 13 stoppages. Azeez is equally dangerous. His record stands at 20-0, with a knockout ratio of 65%, which translates to 13 knockouts. The bout was meant to occur in October, but Azeez withdrew shortly before the fight with a back injury. Now it will take place at the Wembley Arena. So, let us take a look at the breakdown.

Buatsi Vs. Azeez

Buatsi is an orthodox fighter with a height of 188 cm. His reach is huge, which stands at a staggering 189 cm. Buatsi is known for his dynamic footwork and does his business with minimal fuss. His biggest strengths include a clean and sharp jab, a high guard that makes it hard to penetrate his defense and good head movement. He must stay elusive to avoid being pinned on the ropes by Azeez, who never stops coming forward. But if the jab is on point, he can use his range and catch Azeez when coming in.

Azeez is also an orthodox fighter. He is shorter at 178 cm, with a reach of the same size. He makes up for his height shortage by being an aggressive, front-foot fighter. His conditioning is on point, and he is known for his high workrate. Buatsi may be technically better, but Azeez is fearless in losing his undefeated record, making him a dangerous customer. In his last two fights, he has boxed overseas, beating Thomas Faure and Khalid Graidia in their backyard.

Pre-Fight Comments

“A win in this will put me in a very strong position. Depending on the timing of it, the winner on Saturday could get Bivol next or the winner of Bivol-Beterbiev. I will only have to decide whether I want to fight for one belt or all. With the fight being rescheduled and making me wait, I’m eager and really looking forward to this. It’s a very important fight, given what’s at stake. It’s a big fight with a lot of eyes on it. [And] it’s number-one versus number-two, so it should be a good fight, right?” Buatsi stated

“He (Buatsi) is p***** (at the postponement) and acting like a diva. He’s used to getting things his own way and the fight hasn’t happened when he wants it to. Apparently I’ve faked an injury – he’s having a bit of a sulk. I’m sure on February 3 he can take it all out on me. These type of fights need to happen. It reminds me of when Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno first fought – or Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield,” Azeez revealed