Charlie Duffield and Dan Azeez will
meet in an all-London clash for the Southern Area Light-Heavyweight
title on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s Heavyweight showdown with
unbeaten Colombian Oscar Rivas at The O2 in London on July 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Canning Town’s Duffield (7-1, 6 KOs) bounced back from a first career
defeat in 2016 with four straight victories and the heavy-handed Mark
Tibbs fighter is delighted to be fighting for his first professional
title as he looks to climb the domestic ladder at 175lbs.
Lewisham’s Azeez (8-0, 5 KOs) has earned his first title shot with eight
straight wins since turning over in 2017 and the former amateur
standout is promising to deliver a memorable performance in his first
opportunity on the big stage.
“I’m really looking forward to this one,” said Duffield.
“It’s a really big platform on Sky Sports Box Office and a great
opportunity for me to showcase what I’m really about. It’s going to be a
cracking fight on July 20, I’m preparing for a war. Mark Tibbs has got
the best out of me and he’s pushed me to my limits – that’s what I need
in a trainer. I’ve got to say a massive thank you to Dillian Whyte for
helping me get this opportunity, he’s been like a big brother to me.
“This is massive for me. I’ve always told people that these four
rounders are no good for me because I only start warming up in the
second and third rounds. I’m a pretty slow starter and I come on strong
in the later rounds. I haven’t been able to showcase that yet but this
is a championship fight and I’m going to get my head down and train
hard. Under the guidance of Mark I think I can go all the way.
“I’ve seen lots of Azeez and he’s very good. He’s kept really busy which
should stand him in good stead for our fight. I never underestimate my
opponents but I’m going to let my hands do the talking. When I catch
people cleanly with those 10oz gloves they don’t get up. Nobody has seen
the best of my yet but they will on July 20.”
“I’m happy to get my first title shot,” said Azeez.
“It’s a pleasure to have it on a huge Matchroom Boxing show. I’ve got to
thank MTK Global for sorting it out for me. I’ve worked hard to get
into this position with some good performances and I’ve stayed very
active. The fashion of my wins has made a lot of noise and put me in
this position to be mandatory for the Southern Area title.
“Charlie Duffield is a big opponent. He’s very strong and he’s a big
puncher. He’s won the majority of his fights by TKO so I know he’s
dangerous. My current trainer used to train Charlie as an amateur, so
he’ll know a lot about him. I’m expecting the best Charlie Duffield to
turn up on July 20 so I’ve got to train hard and just keep on doing what
I’m doing. I’m sure that will be enough to get my hand raised on the
night.”
