Dan Azeez says he’s going into Saturday’s bout in opposition to unbeaten rival Lewis Edmondson with “a vendetta”, as he seems to avenge a earlier beginner defeat.
Azeez faces Edmondson on the Copper Field Area in London on Saturday, dwell on Sky Sports activities, forward of Adam Azim combating Ohara Davies.
The 35-year-old Londoner holds knowledgeable report of 20 wins, one draw and one defeat in his profession up to now, whereas Hampshire-native Edmondson holds a 9-0 successful report.
It’s a battle years in the past within the pair’s beginner days that is still on the forefront of Azeez’s thoughts, although.
“He beat me in the amateurs, a split decision,” Azeez informed Sky Sports activities.
“I simply bear in mind he was a skillful child, he gained just a few nationwide titles. He was the higher boxer. I used to be simply extra come-forward, had the grit and whatnot. Over three rounds he was the extra technical.
“Amateurs and professionals is completely different. Professionals you are truly attempting to harm, break somebody down. Amateurs is level scoring. We’ll see.
“I’ve always got a vendetta against people who beat me in the amateurs. If I get the chance to fight them I’m more than happy.
“A skilful fighter, I believe he thinks this is his time now. I know he’s going to come hungry, prepared. Because I remember being in that situation when you’re up and coming and you’re fighting someone a bit more experienced. It’s really got me pumped and ready for the fight.
“Lewis is coming to indicate, ‘I am the brand new child on the block. He is had his time, he is on the best way down.’ I am right here to indicate that is not the case, mate. And that is it.”
Azeez’s most up-to-date battle noticed him face Croatian Hrvoje Sep at Selhurst Park in June, in a conflict which led to a disappointing draw. All of the extra in order it was his comeback battle following a primary professional loss in February to Joshua Buatsi.
The Brit counts his show in that Sep bout as an “awful performance,” however was pleased for a aggressive battle.
“After I bought in there, it was extra I am attempting to show one thing. As in: ‘You suppose you are powerful, I am harder.’ As a substitute of really getting the job achieved, successful.
“In boxing you’re always learning. It was a good fight, a tough fight. But I’m happy. I’d rather have had that kind of fight than someone I’d have just blown over.
“It was a tricky battle. Undoubtedly wasn’t my finest efficiency. An terrible efficiency by me, if I am being sincere.
“I just got sucked into that kind of fight. Mentally I wasn’t there. It wasn’t good.”
And what about his future have been he to safe victory in opposition to Edmondson on Saturday?
“It puts me back in the mix. Gets me back to where I want to be. Get me back in the ‘W’ column first of all.”
Dan Azeez faces Lewis Edmondson at Copper Field Area in London on October 19, dwell on Sky Sports activities; Adam Azim will battle Ohara Davies the identical night time. Stream boxing and extra with NOW