The postponed bout between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez now has a new date: February 3rd, 2024. The two British light-heavyweights were initially slated for a WBA eliminator on October 21st. However, they are now set to resume their eliminator match on February 3rd, with the victor earning the opportunity to face light-heavyweight WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KO’s) unfortunately had to withdraw from his October 21st match due to a back injury suffered in the same week he was supposed to face Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KO’s). Despite both fighters narrowly missing out on the chance to potentially contend for a world title, their February 3rd bout offers another opportunity for them to seize world title glory.
Wembley Arena, the same venue initially scheduled for their postponed match on October 21st, will continue to be the venue of choice to stage this crucial fight between two domestic elite light-heavyweight fighters.
In addition to the chance for the winner to become the mandatory challenger to the holder of the WBA light-heavyweight title, the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight belts will also be on the line on February 3rd. Both of these titles are currently held by Azeez, who first won the British title in 2021 and acquired the Commonwealth title in his 2022 match against former British world champion Rocky Fielding (30-3, 18 KO’s).
Buatsi is presently ranked as the #1 contender in the WBA’s rankings of the light-heavyweight division, while Azeez is ranked at #2.