BUATSI VS AZEEZ LIVE ON: 21 October 2023
WHO IS BOXING?
On 21 October 2023 live from the 02 Arena, Joshua Buatsi (17-0) faces off against Dan Azeez (20-0) in a WBA eliminator for the Light Heavyweight Championship.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE BUILD-UP TO BUATSI VS AZEEZ?
It has been respectful in the build-up. Neither Dan Azeez or Joshua Buatsi have outrageous or controversial personalities, so the respect between the two was to be expected.
The only real controversy came as Dan Azeez snubbed rumoured interest from Matchroom Boxing in making a world championship bout against Dimitry Bivol, to take an eliminator for the world title.
Dan Azeez also took the unusual step of having his lost bout off TV. Azeez travelled to Italy on short notice on 15 July 2023 to compete against journeyman Khalid Graidia, winning on points.
WHO IS THE FAVOURITE FOR BUATSI VS AZEEZ?
Buatsi is perceived as the favourite heading into the contest. Buatsi is currently priced at 2/9 with Paddy Power to win by any method of victory, whereas Azeez is the outsider at 10/3. Buatsi has the Olympic pedigree and experience that Azeez lacks, and that difference in amateur background is part of the reason Buatsi is the favourite.
WHERE IS BUATSI VS AZEEZ BEING HELD?
The boxing takes place from the 02 Arena in London, England. The 02 Arena was recently used for Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius earlier in the year. Tickets for Buatsi vs Azeez remain available, priced from just Β£36.35, which is quite good considering the upper section of the arena is not being used for the event.
Tickets: Joshua Buatsi v Dan Azeez, London | Sat, 21 Oct 2023, 17:30 | Ticketmaster UK
WHEN DOES BUATSI VS AZEEZ START?
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. It is unconfirmed, but Boxxer are likely to broadcast their undercard on their YouTube channel.
HOW CAN I WATCH BUATSI VS AZEEZ?
The action will take place live exclusively on Sky Sports, as part of a regular Sky Sports subscription.
Sky Sports is a sports channel package available to television and streaming customers. Prices vary for television customers depending on bundles, length of subscription, and current offers. For short-term packages, you can purchase a daily or monthly subscription via NowTV. Prices vary as NowTV offer discounts on a regular basis. Visit the link below to check the current offers:
https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online
WHO ELSE IS FIGHTING ON THE BUATSI VS AZEEZ UNDERCARD?
Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain – British Cruiserweight Championship
Louis Greene vs Sam Gilley – Commonwealth Super Welterweight Championship
Karriss Artingstall vs TBA
Michael Hennessy Jr vs Joe Laws
Michael Hennessy Jr vs Harley Benn was originally confirmed until Harley Benn withdrew due to unknown reasons.
ANY HIGHLIGHTS ON THE UNDERCARD?
Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain should have taken place earlier in the year, with the bout scuppered due to an apparent toothache from Lawal. A win for either of these boxers will push them to the next level in the Cruiserweight division. Boxxer, the promoters of the event, have built a stable of fighters from the division, and will be keen for new opposition to face Chris Billam-Smith.
ANYTHING ELSE?
The winner of the main event will become the mandatory challenger for Dmitriy Bivol’s WBA championship.
This event also clashes with Matchroom Boxing’s Jack Catterall vs Jorge Linares. The start times for the events are expected to be similar. Jack Catterall vs Jorge Linares takes place on DAZN. You can read a preview of that event here