Joshua Buatsi v Dan Azeez: Industry Predictions

Hear from some of the biggest names in boxing as light-heavyweight stars Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez get set for their mammoth bout with a potential world title opportunity on the line.

Johnny Nelson
(Former world champion)

The reason why this is seen as a 50/50 fight is because Dan Azeez has been in the public eye, and we have seen the rise and success of him over the past 12 to 18 months, whereas Joshua Buatsi hasn't been quite as prominent. 

Buatsi had so much going for him a little while back, the attention, the potential and the rise but once you lose the momentum the fans will move onto the next one - people are fickle.
 

Shane McGuigan
(Boxing Trainer)

Dan Azeez just has that Chris Billam-Smith sort of mindset, whereby he has had to show and prove his worth as opposed to being one of those fighters who just looks destined for great things.

I like both guys but the pedigree lies with Joshua Buatsi.

 

Matthew Macklin 
(Former World Middleweight title challenger) 

I don't think Joshua Buatsi is going to be able to stay in first gear against Dan Azeez. Dan's style and his aggression will make Buatsi fight, and I am hoping that it brings the best out of him.
 

Virgil Hunter
(Dan Azeez's Trainer) 

It makes sense to bill this fight as a 50/50 fight because it draws the media in and it reels fans in, irrespective of how I or Dan Azzez feel that the fight is going to pan out.  
 

Callum Smith
(Former world champion)

Dan Azeez is on a good run of form since he has switched to BOXXER, and has a lot of momentum. He is the man in form, without a doubt.

They are both evenly matches; I have spoken to Buddy McGirt over the sparring sessions they had, and I believe they were great to watch.

For me, it's all down to who gets it right on the night.
 

Frazer Clarke
(Heavyweight contender) 

I can sense the rivalry between the two of them, Despite the fact that the two fighters are friends, the spite is most definitely there!

As much as people are expecting an entertaining barnstormer, as far as Joshua Buatsi is concerned he has to make sure that isn't the case. He needs to use his pure boxing skill to win the fight.
 

George Groves
(Former world champion) 

It could be the best of the light-heavyweight scene domestically. I am so glad that both fighters have signed up for this, because these are the fights that you want to see.

Write Dan Azeez off at your peril, because he is in great form. I cannot wait for the fight.