Dan Azeez is heading into Saturday’s highly anticipated fight against unbeaten contender Lewis Edmondson at the Copper Box Arena in London with a deep-seated motivation to avenge a past amateur loss. Azeez, a seasoned fighter with a professional record of 20 wins, one draw, and one defeat, aims to turn the tables on Edmondson, who boasts an impressive undefeated record of 9-0.
The memory of a close split-decision defeat in their amateur days continues to fuel Azeez’s determination. “He beat me in the amateurs, a split decision,” Azeez reflected. “I remember he was a skillful kid who won several national titles. While he was the better boxer technically, I brought my grit and tenacity to the ring.”
Azeez noted the distinct difference between amateur and professional boxing: “In the pros, you’re trying to break someone down, while amateur fights focus more on point scoring. I’ve always held a vendetta against those who have beaten me in the amateurs, and I’m eager to settle the score.”
Preparing for this fight, Azeez anticipates a hungry Edmondson keen to prove himself as the new rising star. “I know he will come prepared,” said Azeez. “I remember being in that position, and it makes me even more motivated.” He is focused on demonstrating that he is far from finished in his career.
Azeez’s last outing resulted in a disappointing draw against Croatian Hrvoje Sep at Selhurst Park in June, which he describes as an “awful performance.” Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction with taking part in a competitive match after facing his first professional defeat in February against Joshua Buatsi. “In boxing, you’re always learning,” he stated. “I’d rather have a tough fight than one where I barely broke a sweat.”
Looking ahead, Azeez acknowledged the significance of a victory over Edmondson: “A win puts me back in the mix and on the road to where I want to be.” He aims to secure his place in the heavyweight landscape and regain momentum with an eye on achieving further success.
Don’t miss Dan Azeez vs. Lewis Edmondson at the Copper Box Arena in London on October 19, alongside Adam Azim’s fight against Ohara Davies.
