Azeez v Edmondson: Mean intentions, crossroads & career killers

Light-heavyweight Dan Azeez says he plans on going into his next bout with the "meanest of intentions" following a loss and draw in his most recent fights.

The Londoner takes on Lewie Edmondson of Southampton on Saturday for the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles at the Copperbox Arena on a card headlined by light-welterweights Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

Azeez, 35, was on a long unbeaten streak of 20 fights prior to a defeat at the hands of domestic rival and close friend Joshua Buatsi, who now holds the WBO interim light-heavyweight title.

"Lewie is game, I take my hat off to him for taking the fight," Azeez told BBC Sport.

"This is maybe not the best for his career though because I’m going into this with the meanest of intentions.

"You’ve got someone who’s on the rebuild and someone who is trying to announce himself so it makes for a great fight. I expect a good scrap and for the fans to get their money’s worth."

Azeez and his opponent Edmondson are both familiar with each other, sparring on numerous occasions and facing each other at amateur level, a bout Edmondson prevailed in.

It is not the first time the Londoner finds himself fighting someone he knows so well, his friendship with Buatsi well documented with the two having sparred "thousands of rounds" before.

However, the return from that first professional defeat did not go to plan for former British, European and Commonwealth champion Azeez, drawing with Croatian Hrvoje Sep outdoors at a wet Selhurst Park.

Over eight rounds he struggled to stamp his authority on the contest, 38-year-old Sep matching his pace and intensity in a bout that was scored 76-76.

"I remember being gutted, it felt like a loss." Azeez added.

"I was so disappointed. My team told me it wasn’t the end of the world but I’m my worst critic, it’s all part of the rebuild process.

"For this fight I back myself. Despite the fact Lewie and I have sparred so much, if you can’t get it right on the night then it’s all irrelevant. I’ve been on my A game in this camp because I know he’s talented and it’s a big opportunity for him."

Southampton's Edmondson admits he would have liked to have been more active over the past few years.

At 28, "The Saint" is unbeaten with nine professional wins to his name and Saturday will be his second fight of 2024 after winning a decision over Portsmouth's Joel McIntyre in May.

"Dan's been in a lot of hard spars and fights. He’s 35 and I believe he’s slowing down a bit," Edmondson said.

"At the same time he’s going to give the best account of himself. He knows this is his last chance to put on a good performance and after I’m victorious, I feel like that will be the end of Dan Azeez."

Edmondson is managed and advised by former world champion Billy Joe Saunders.

Edmondson signed a contract to fight Ben Whittaker, but a fight with the Olympic silver medallist never happened.

However Saturday's contest in Stratford provides the toughest test of his career, an opportunity to make a name for himself against a well respected rival in Azeez.

"It’s my time now, there’s a big statement coming," Edmondson added.

"I’ve put the work in this camp, sparring Willy Hutchinson in Marbella and other class operators too. There’s no stone that has been left unturned and I’m ready to put on a show.

"Two British light-heavyweights going at it, what more could you want, it’s what people want to see."