Lewisham’s Dan Azeez on a Rocky road as Fielding next up in British light-heavy title defence

Dan Azeez will defend his British light-heavyweight title against Rocky Fielding at Bournemouth International Centre on December 17.

The 33-year-old Lewisham fighter is looking to extend his flawless professional record to 18-0.

Fielding (30-2) is on a three-bout winning streak since moving up a division following a stoppage defeat to Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez in 2018 which saw him relinquish his WBA world title.

The Liverpudlian’s only other defeat was to Callum Smith – another top super-middleweight – in a British title challenge.

“He’s been a pro from before I started as an amateur boxer,” said Azeez. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Rocky. He’s a good boxer and he can punch – he has got more knockouts than I have had fights.

“I like to fight on the inside so I’m either going down or I’ll keep coming, one of the two.”

Azeez is trained by Buddy McGirt, who is also now the main coach for Brixton heavyweight Dillian Whyte. The New Yorker is a former two-weight world champion.

“We’re still in the learning process,” said Azeez. “The first time I trained with him was earlier this year. Buddy has got fantastic pedigree – he is a two-time world champion and he has trained numerous world champions.

“He was in my corner for my last fight and I also went out to LA to do some training with him and Dillian when he was preparing for his last fight.

“Buddy has been here [in the UK] for the last three weeks.”

Azeez is ranked second by the WBA, seventh by the WBC and ninth by the IBF but the South Londoner is not mapping out future plans.

“All I’m thinking about is the fight ahead of me – which is Rocky Fielding,” said Azeez. “Rocky is trying to get his name back in the mix – it would be foolish of me, and in a slight way disrespectful, to be looking beyond our fight.”