Buatsi vs. Azeez – Sky Sports – Oct. 21 – 2 pm ET

A long-standing friendship is taking a backseat as two top light-heavyweights, Joshua Buatsi and ‘Super’ Dan Azeez, get ready to square off at London’s historic arena, The O2. These unbeaten powerhouses, who began their journeys at the same South London amateur boxing club, have followed unique paths that have led them to this  showdown.

Catch this enthralling headliner, named BOXXER: BUATSI VS AZEEZ – PATHS COLLIDE, exclusively on Sky Sports. What’s in store is a fascinating clash of two prime fighters ready to put it all on the line – friends turned rivals, gloves up and ready to deliver a match to remember.

Buatsi, a shining star straight off a bronze win for Team GB at the 2016 Olympics, turned pro early. Azeez, on the other hand, made his move after securing a finance degree, entering pro-boxing at the small-hall cards level.

The road wasn’t easy for Azeez, but it was rewarding. He’s the only light-heavyweight in the history of British boxing to clinch every domestic title in the British Boxing Board of Control hierarchy. Meanwhile, former British light-heavyweight champion Buatsi made a commanding return to the ring earlier this year, triumphing over the previously undefeated Pawel Stepien.

October 21st is also set to feature a British cruiserweight championship showdown. Mikael Lawal will be defending his title against Isaac Chamberlain. The simmering tension between these Londoners boiled over at a press conference earlier this year, and fans are anticipating a fiery resolution when they finally meet in the ring.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO, is confident that this fight holds ‘Fight of the Year’ potential. “Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez are standouts in a very deep division, two of the most talented and hungry fighters I’ve ever seen,” he said. Shalom acknowledges Azeez’s hard-fought journey and praises Buatsi’s willingness to take on the risk. With both fighters just a win away from a world title challenge, he expects an unforgettable night on October 21st.

Buatsi and Azeez have shown that they’re ready to put their friendship aside for the night. “We’ve been friends for years, but there’s too much on the line here for either of us to say no to this fight,” Buatsi said. “I’m preparing to beat the best version of Dan Azeez, whether that’s by decision or knockout.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Azeez said, “I’ve earned my way to get to this stage of my career and there’s still more to earn and prove. I’m preparing like I always do for everything and anything in order to be victorious come October 21st.”

Undercard

Louis ‘The Medway Mauler’ Greene (16-3, 10 KO’s), is all set for his third title defense against  Sam ‘Magic Man’ Gilley (16-1, 8 KO’s). This eagerly awaited fight will grace the undercard of BOXXER: BUATSI VS AZEEZ – PATHS COLLIDE on Saturday, October 21 at The O2 in London. The stakes are even higher as the victor will have a chance to contest for the British title.

Greene showcased his dominance by clinching the Commonwealth title in November of the previous year with a fifth-round knockout. He maintained his reign in May, journeying from Kent to Dundee to face challenger Paul Kean. There, Greene decisively finished the match in the sixth round, ensuring no need for a judges’ decision.

Meanwhile, English super-welterweight champion Gilley, hailing from Walthamstow, secured his challenge for Greene’s Commonwealth title this past June. He showcased his prowess by defeating Ellis Corrie with a striking body-shot knockout at the iconic York Hall. This victory marked his third stoppage win in his recent four fights.

Karriss Artingstall, the 2020 Olympics bronze medalist (4-0), is another highlight of the card. With her fifth professional match at The O2 in London on the horizon, she’s aiming for a second competition over eight rounds, focusing on climbing the rankings and eyeing title contention. Details about her opponent will be disclosed soon.

Another must-watch event is the ten-round super-welterweight fight featuring Michael Hennessy (11-1, 2 KO’s), belonging to the esteemed British boxing family of the Hennessys. He will fight Harley Benn (9-2, 1 KO), son of the legendary two-weight world champion Nigel Benn.

BOXXER: BUATSI VS AZEEZ – PATHS COLLIDE, scheduled for October 21st at The O2, London, will be broadcast live and exclusively for the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

The spotlight of the event is on the clash between the undefeated light-heavyweights, Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KO’s) and ‘Super’ Dan Azeez (19-0, 13 KO’s). Their long-standing camaraderie will be set aside as they battle it out with global stakes at hand.

Additionally, the British cruiserweight championship promises an exhilarating showdown. Defending champion Mikael Lawal is gearing up to face Isaac Chamberlain. Both adversaries are eager to assert their supremacy in the ring.

Tickets are now available for purchase on BOXXER.com.