THE friendship between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez will be put aside for one evening on Saturday night.
Having spent many rounds sparring together, the two British light-heavyweights will look to now use their knowledge of each other as a weapon, with the winner moving one step closer to their first world title shot.
This south London derby has been made possible thanks to both fighters fighting under the same promotional banner at Boxxer, as well as both the rise of Azeez and the stagnation of Buatsi.
Having begun on the small-hall circuit, Azeez has marched through the domestic rankings winning English, British, Commonwealth and European titles in a two-year period. The career of Buatsi, meanwhile, has slowed after being tipped for world honours as soon as he signed for Matchroom in June 2017. In his 17 fights since then, the 2016 Olympic Bronze medallist has won the British title and claimed the scalps of Ricards Bolotniks and Craig Richards but many expected a greater progression by now.
In the chief support slot on Saturday look out for a cruiserweight grudge match between British champion Mikael Lawal and Isaac Chamberlain.
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?
Buatsi vs Azeez takes place this Saturday (October 21) at the O2 Arena in London.
WHERE CAN I WATCH BUATSI V AZEEZ?
Sky Sports will begin their broadcast at 7pm on channel 408.
WHAT TIME WILL THE MAIN EVENT START?
Ringwalks are expected at 9.45pm.
WHO IS ON THE UNDERCARD?
Four bouts are scheduled for the undercard subject to change.
- Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain (Cruiserweight)
- Louis Greene vs Sam Gilley (Super-welterweight)
- Karriss Artingstall vs Vanessa Bradford (Featherweight)
- Michael Hennessy Jr vs Joe Laws (Super-welterweight)
WHAT ARE THE BETTING ODDS?
Joshua Buatsi 2/7 Dan Azeez 11/4 (Odds courtesy of Bet365)
WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?
To hear opinions from the likes of George Groves, Frazer Clarke, Virgil Hunter and more click the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgPhUaZ327I
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