JOSHUA BUATSI and Dan Azeez are two quality operators who, in a different period, may have been fighting each other for a world belt on Saturday night (February 3). As it stands, however, every light-heavyweight contender is currently some distance behind their superiors Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t detract from what has become an eagerly anticipated domestic clash thanks to their local rivalry, their friendship, and the postponement of the original fight date last year.
But what does the trade think? Boxing News contacted a number of figures within the industry to get their predictions.
- Anthony Yarde: (Light-heavyweight) – I would give Dan Azeez a very good chance, he might be the favourite. He gets stronger as the fight goes on and he’s gone the hard route and recently he’s had better performances. I’d pick Azeez but for my own career I hope Buatsi wins because it makes the fight between me and him a bit more interesting.
- Shakan Pitters (Light-heavyweight) – It definitely goes to points. Joshua hasn’t been as active as he’d want to be. I know how much activity plays its part. Dan’s been very active with Sky, and they love his story. Joshua would probably have to go for a stoppage because as much he’s a Sky fighter I don’t see him getting a fair decision.
- Lyndon Arthur (Light-heavyweight) – I push towards Buatsi on points.
- Callum Johnson (Former British light-heavyweight champion) – I think Buatsi might just have enough to beat him on points, but I wouldn’t rule out Dan pulling it off. I’m genuinely looking forward to it and slightly favour Buatsi to get the win.
- Liam Smith (Former WBO super-welterweight belt holder) – It’s a very good fight but I edge towards Buatsi. He’s got that little bit more about him. Better boxing IQ and a very good jab which I think might be the difference in the fight. Azeez is solid, compact, fit and works hard but I think Buatsi’s boxing brain and his jab, especially, will get him over the line.
- Leigh Wood (Former WBA featherweight belt holder) – Buatsi. He’s probably not as entertaining but his fundamentals are better. He makes less mistakes, he’s less reckless and I think he’ll cruise to a points victory. The basics will get the job done. Buatsi’s been under pressure and come out the other side and I think he’ll do the same again.
- Wayne Alexander (Former European super-welterweight champion) – I’ve changed my mind a few times about who wins. I think the fight will be an all-action hard-fought 12-rounder. Buatsi’s better boxing skills and technique will be enough to win a points decision.
- Liam Dillon (British super-featherweight champion) – I think Buatsi will win on a points decision in a close fight and interesting clash of styles. I think Buatsi will use his sharp jab and work on keeping his distance, but I can see Azeez having success in the fight.
- Raven Chapman (Featherweight) – I see the fight going the distance with Buatsi taking control towards the later rounds. Not writing Azeez off by any means as he has that dog in him, to dig deep and come back when things get tough.
- Liam Walsh (Former British super-featherweight champion) – I slightly favour Buatsi on points. I do like Dan’s approach (educated pressure). I just think this matchup suits Joshua’s style providing he stays disciplined and focused for 12 rounds.
- Samuel Antwi (British super-welterweight champion) – I think it’s a back-and-forth fight, with both boxers having their moments. Buatsi’s experience in the Olympics may be the factor that separates them and edges it in his favour.
- Kevin Maree (Manager) – Buatsi should have too much all round, but Azeez keeps raising his game and getting the job done. I love Azeez’s attitude. He puts on his Hagler war hat and replica shorts and off he goes. I’m backing him (Azeez) on a points win.
- Steve Wood (Manager/promoter) – Buatsi wins on points. Azeez may be competitive early, but I believe the level of amateur experience will be the difference and Buatsi will pull away.
- Tony Sims (Trainer) – Azeez has done it the hard way coming through on small hall cards and has learnt his trade. Buatsi has been the golden boy who everybody wanted to sign after the Olympics. Both are undefeated and don’t know what it’s like to lose. I go for Buatsi by close decision. His class should prove the deciding factor in the end.
- Jon Pegg (Manager/promoter) – Azeez in a hard points win with momentum being the difference.
- Ryan Walsh (Former British featherweight champion) – This looks like a textbook boxer versus fighter contest. It’s going to be a great fight but I’m picking Buatsi to win. I always favour the boxer and I think he’ll win on points.
- Kaisy Khademi (Flyweight) – Great matchup, good styles but I think Buatsi’s pedigree will play its part and win on points or late stoppage.
- JJ Metcalf (Super-welterweight) – It’s a great fight. I fancy Buatsi on points. I think his technical ability will win him the majority of the rounds and just edge it.
- Duke McKenzie (Former three-weight belt holder) – I would be surprised if this goes the distance. Big test for Azeez. The overall class lies with Buatsi but the question is how will he cope with his inactivity when pushed. His overall experience should see him gain a late stoppage win.
- Joe Hughes (Former European super-lightweight champion) – A very intriguing contest and a really tough one to call. I’d give the edge to Buatsi due to his extensive amateur pedigree and I think he’ll get a close points decision.
- Kevin Mitchell (Former lightweight) – Buatsi wins for me, maybe a late stoppage. But it’s going to be a very competitive fight.
- Linus Udofia (Middleweight) – A hard fight to call. I think Azeez wins on points. I feel Buatsi will do the eye-catching work, but Azeez will force the fight and push the pace. I think that will swing the decision in his favour.
- Nathaniel Collins (British featherweight champion) – Buatsi is more schooled and got the amateur pedigree. Azeez has come through every test and done it the proper way. For me that holds more weight. The pro game is different so I would give Azeez the edge.
- Sean McGoldrick (Former British bantamweight champion) – I think Buatsi’s amateur experience and ability will give him the edge. I rate Buatsi very highly and I’m sure he will move onto world honours after this.
- Gamal Yafai (Former European bantamweight champion) – I’m going for Buatsi. Azeez won’t be able to walk down a much cleverer and bigger puncher.
- Gavin Gwynne (European lightweight champion) – I think it’s a proper 50-50 fight, but I think Buatsi is going to pull off a late stoppage.
- Kal Yafai (Former WBA super-flyweight belt holder) – Buatsi. Amateur pedigree and he’s an Olympic medallist. Good power and physical strength, too. Just think he’s got a bit too much for Azeez who I also rate.
- Phil Jeffries (Manager/promoter) – Buatsi on points.
- Arnie Farnell (Trainer) – I think Azeez wins. I like his compact style and work-rate. If Joshua doesn’t take him out early (which I don’t think he will) I can see Dan winning on points.
- Owen Cooper (Welterweight) – I think Buatsi wins on points. His skills and pedigree will win him the fight. It will be a close one with Azeez pushing the pressure and making it tough.
- Nina Hughes (WBA bantamweight belt holder) – It’s a great 50-50 domestic fight. I think Buatsi has the better boxing skills, but Azeez is strong and has been more active and I think he could just pull it off.
- Robbie Davies Jr (Super-lightweight) – My gut feeling is to go with Buatsi on points but it’s a tight one. Azeez is a great fighter as well.
- Tori Willetts (Bantamweight) – That’s a very hard one to call. I’m on the fence for this fight.
- Charlie Edwards (Former WBC flyweight belt holder) – I think Buatsi will win. I feel Dan Azeez will go for it but think Buatsi’s repertoire will be too much for Dan and will get a unanimous points win.
- Hannah Rankin (Former WBA super-welterweight belt holder) – I’m going with Buatsi. Although calm outside the ring, inside it he’s clinical, spiteful, and technically very sound. I think his ring IQ will allow him to dominate the fight against Azeez.
- Bradley Rea (Super-middleweight) – I’m backing Azeez Technically, Buatsi is the superior boxer but in past fights I think he has shown a questionable engine. Sometimes after letting his hands go, it seems he has the rest of the round off to recover. I could see Azeez breaking him down and getting to him late for the upset win.
- Gary Logan (Trainer) – Super style matchup. Dan’s career to date has more momentum and lots of people give him that edge. I don’t. Buatsi’s opponent level and tenacity as well as his array of punches lets me believe he wins a close bitterly disputed points win.
- Conor Quinn (Flyweight) – I’m thinking Buatsi via KO/TKO in later rounds. It’s a brilliant fight but I think it will bring out the best in Buatsi as he’ll not have to go looking for Azeez. He’ll find the opening and he’s a devastating puncher.
- Sean Noakes (Welterweight) – Azeez. He has the momentum and has been more active.
- Eddie Lam (Trainer) – I think Buatsi beats Azeez by decision, but it’ll be a tough, hard fight. I know it doesn’t always work out like this, but his amateur pedigree might make the difference.
- Lauren Parker (European super-flyweight champion) – Buatsi and Azeez will be an exciting 50-50 fight. They both have contrasting styles. It could go either way, but I’ll say Azeez on points because of his boxer/fighter style.
- Mark Neilson (Manager/promoter) – This is a tough one to call. On paper, they are very similar ability and experience wise but I’m edging towards Azeez points win. I think Buatsi’s inactivity could be the deciding factor.
- Aston Brown (Middleweight) – I’m going for Buatsi by late stoppage. Just a bit better all round in my opinion.
- Paul Butler (Former IBF and WBO bantamweight belt holder) – This is a great fight. I’ll go with Buatsi on points. I fancy Azeez to have a strong finish, but I think Buatsi will have banked the rounds by then.
- Troy Williamson (Former British super-welterweight champion) – I think it’s a genuine 50-50 fight. I’m a big fan of both. I just hope we all get a good fight, and both men leave the ring safe.
- Steve Goodwin (Manager/promoter) – Dan Azeez has come through the small hall scene and has deserved every success he has had. Sometimes though a fairytale comes to an end and in former Olympian Joshua Buatsi, I think it does. The class of Buatsi to win by wide points decision.
- Padraig McCrory (Super-middleweight) – It’s a great fight. Azeez has made massive improvements in such a short space of time, but I think Buatsi points is the safe bet.
- Matthew Hatton (Trainer) – Buatsi. Even though his recent form hasn’t been great he looked great early on in his career. I just think he’s the better fighter in most departments.
- Nick Campbell (Heavyweight) – Very tough 50-50 fight. It’s hard to separate them. I think Buatsi just has more elements to his game that will give him the edge on the night. Azeez is tough and a handful for anyone out there so Buatsi will need to be at the top of his game.
- Tyler Denny (European middleweight champion) – I’ve changed my mind a few times but think Buatsi wins on points. Dan has momentum but I think Joshua will win.
- Mark Dunlop (Manager/promoter) – I think Joshua Buatsi will win a clear points decision over Dan Azeez. While Buatsi has been inactive he has the superior pedigree and while Dan will try and close the gap early on, it will be a gap too far to close.
- Ryan Garner (Super-featherweight) – I think it’s going to be a close fight. Azeez is a tricky opponent, but Buatsi is a well-schooled and I think he’ll win by decision.
- Junaid Bostan (Super-welterweight) – Buatsi points in a very competitive fight.
- Joe McNally (Trainer) – Buatsi late stoppage rounds 7-10. Azeez is one of the UK’s most improved fighters over the last 18 months, but Buatsi’s amateur pedigree and tougher opposition will stand him in good stead for this fight. The shots Dan took against Thomas Faure, a non-puncher is a worry going into this fight, hence Buatsi late TKO.
- Ekow Essuman (Welterweight) – I’ve seen the dog in Buatsi whilst on Team GB. That seems to have been kept on a tight leash as a pro, but I think Azeez is the perfect opponent to bring that out of him and Azeez is a beast. Whoever wants it the most is going to see the final bell.
Result: Buatsi 40 votes, Azeez 11 votes, undecided four votes.
And for even more industry predictions collected by BN click the video below.
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