South Londoners Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez have signed on to meet in a clash that will see the winner face Dmitry Bivol for his WBA light-heavyweight title, according to Sky Sports. The two Brits both have undefeated records which will be put on the line along with the opportunity to face Bivol in the near future.
Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KO’s) and Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KO’s) have had a known friendship stemming back for years and they are familiar to each other’s styles having sparred numerous times. Though a date and venue have yet to be set, both are expected to face each other within the next three months.
Their bout draws comparisons to when Joshua Buatsi fought domestic rival Craig Richards who also hails from South London. Like that match, this one will feature two light-heavyweights who are very familiar with each other’s styles but the two fighters also carry a bond outside of the ring that will add a different dimension to this match.
Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KO’s) will be the next opponent for whoever comes out on top. Notably, Buatsi had rejected an opportunity to face Bivol last year when he was still at Matchroom/DAZN, and the British contender will now face an opponent potentially even tougher than Craig Richards who had thus far given him the hardest test in the light-heavyweight division so far.
