Lewisham’s Dan Azeez wins European light-heavyweight title

Dan Azeez is the new European light-heavyweight champion after a 12th-round stoppage of brave Frenchman Thomas Faure in Paris last night.

The unbeaten Lewisham fighter had control of the contest and looked to have his opponent in serious trouble in the sixth round.

But Faure showed plenty of heart. He bleed profusely from the nose and he had significant swelling over his left eye by the end of the seventh round.

Azeez produced his trademark pressure as he stayed on the front foot throughout.

“I felt like crying in there (after he had won),” Azeez told Sky Sports. “It was such a brilliant experience. I enjoyed it in there. Buddy (McGirt, trainer) told me to calm down – don’t play to the crowd.

“Thomas is a tough, tough guy – tougher than I thought he would be. That last shot at the end got him.

“I feel like the nation is really behind me, I can’t thank you enough.

“Step by step I’m climbing the ladder – the British title, Commonwealth and European. Now it’s the world.”