Tune in to Dan Azeez vs Hrvoje Sepu on the undercard of the Chris Biram-Smith vs Richard Liakporhe cruiserweight world title defence, live on Sky Sports on Saturday, June 15. Azeez will be making his first return since his loss to Joshua Buatsi.
Tuesday 4 June 2024 15:57, UK
Dan Azeez will be back in the ring at Selhurst Park on Saturday 15 June, hoping to get back into the light heavyweight title hunt.
Azeez will face Richard Liakporhe on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith’s world title defence against Hrvoje Sepu, his first fight since losing a unanimous decision to Joshua Buatsi in February.
He is part of a vibrant domestic light heavyweight scene and has ambitions to challenge some of the division's biggest names.
“I'm really happy to be back so soon at an amazing venue like Crystal Palace, just 10 minutes from where I grew up,” Azeez told Sky Sports. “I'm happy because Sept is the opponent and I think it's going to be a great game.”
“The most important thing is to get through June 15, but it doesn't matter which name it is. I want to face all of them. They are all great fighters.”
“Willie Hutchinson had a great performance at the weekend, we've still got Callum Smith in the division and our scene is booming.”
Buatsi continues to be linked with a possible British showdown with Anthony Yarde, while the WBO recently ordered him and Hutchinson to fight for the interim light heavyweight belt.
Meanwhile, Azeez came in second to his former gym-mate Buatsi, but is hopeful he can challenge him again in the future.
“I felt like I let people down (by losing to Buatsi). I want to position myself as the representative of the guy who not much is expected of him,” Azeez said.
“When I go to the gym or hang out at my local shops, people are inspired. I felt like I let them down, but the response has been almost 100% positive.”
“It's boxing. If you want to be the best, you have to fight the best. You're not always going to win. You're not really defeated until you give up. You just re-plan and keep fighting.”
“I want to keep the momentum going on June 15 and prove that I’m one of the best light heavyweights not only in the country but in the world.”
Joshua Buatsi beat Dan Azeez twice to secure a points victory after 12 thrilling rounds at Wembley.
Given a second chance, he believes he can still beat Buatsi.
“If I do things right on the night, the better person will win. I don't disagree with that, but if I can turn things around, I think I have a chance,” Azeez added.
His first bout awaits in September, with the Croatian fighter now 12-2 as a pro since losing a majority decision to Omar Garcia in January.
“He's a good fighter, he knows what he's doing, he gets on the front foot and tries to make the fight interesting,” Sky Sports boxing expert Andy Clarke said.
“He really knows what he's doing. I was a little surprised he hasn't been more favored in his professional career. I think he'll be very fond of this and see Dan as the perfect way to jump up a few levels.”
“It's going to be a good match, it's going to be fun to watch, and I won't have to go looking for him.”
