Dan Azeez: Joshua Buatsi has been a diva since our light-heavy clash had to be rescheduled

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Dan Azeez has labelled Joshua Buatsi a “diva” for the way he has behaved since their original bout had to be postponed.

The two unbeaten South London light-heavyweights were due to collide in October but Lewisham’s Azeez suffered a back injury just days before which forced the fight to be rescheduled for Saturday.

The winner of the showdown at Wembley Arena is set to move on to a world title shot. There could be a delay as champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitri Bivol are poised for an undisputed clash in Saudi Arabia.

“He (Buatsi) is p***** (at the postponement) and acting like a diva,” Azeez told Seconds Out. “He’s used to getting things his own way and the fight hasn’t happened when he wants it to.

“Apparently I’ve faked an injury – he’s having a bit of a sulk. I’m sure on February 3 he can take it all out on me.

“These type of fights need to happen. It reminds me of when Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno first fought – or Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield.”

Both fighters have been forced to undergo a second training camp for Saturday’s event.

Former European champion Azeez (20-0) said: “I’ve got a little PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) because before the first fight I was smooth sailing and then it was so close to the fight that it (the injury) happened. I take each day as it comes and I’m thankful every time I get through a training session.

“I’m more in-tune with my body. Us boxers have got a high pain threshold – that it doesn’t matter and we’ll go through anything – but sometimes you have got to put a lid on it.”

Croydon’s Buatsi (17-0) has boxed once since the summer of 2022 – a unanimous points win over Pawel Stepien in May 2023

“My mindset is always good because of what is at stake,” he said. “I have got a good ranking with all the governing bodies – I can’t make any mistakes.”

Greenwich’s Caroline Dubois makes a first defence of her IBO lightweight title against Miranda Reyes on the same show.

PICTURE: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/BOXXER