Lewisham’s Dan Azeez targets shot at Commonwealth light-heavyweight title
Dan Azeez has set his sights on winning the Commonwealth light-heavyweight title after moving his record to 16-0 last weekend.
The 32-year-old Lewisham fighter stopped late replacement Reece Cartwright in eight rounds at Wembley Arena on Saturday.
Azeez had been due to defend his British belt against Matthew Tinker but an issue with his medical saw an opponent switch.
The South Londoner was not quite as slick as his last ring outing when he dismantled Hosea Burton to win the vacant domestic title.
“No excuses, it wasn’t my best performance but we got the job done,” said Azeez.
Anthony Yarde holds the Commonwealth belt but is closing in on a second world title challenge.
It means the chances of a clash with Azeez look a non-starter.
“That’s the title I want,” said Azeez. “I just want to get in the mix with all these guys.
“After Tinker got pulled off the card I could’ve not been fighting. He [Cartwright] stepped in, he didn’t have to. It allowed both of us to make some money and feed our families. I congratulated him [on his showing] and was thanking him as well [after the bout].”
Unbeaten Richard Riakporhe headlined the BOXXER show and stopped Deion Jumah in eight rounds.
The Walworth puncher – who has 10 early finishes on his 14-0 record – put Jumah down in the fourth before a body shot saw him fail to beat the count.
“I knew I’d find a way to get him out of there sooner or later,” said Riakporhe. “I probably could’ve gone up a couple of gears but it is what it is – we got the W [win].
“My team put people in front of me and I deal with them.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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