Punch up in Paris – Dan Azeez vs Thomas Faure confirmed for March 11
British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez (18-0, 12KO) faces European titleholder Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2KO) in Paris on March 11, live on Sky Sports.
The undefeated South Londoner has been steadily going about his career in traditional yet sensational fashion since his debut in March 2018. He spent the first eight fights of his career on small hall cicuit, frequenting the usual sites such as the Brentwood Centre and York Hall, until he landed a TV slot on the Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas event at the O2 Arena.
Now 33, 'Super' Dan collected his first title in the form of the Southern Area light-heavyweight belt in his ninth fight in 2019. He stopped 7-1 prospect Charlie Duffield in six rounds at the O2 in Greenwich to win the oldest prize in British boxing and claim his first ever professional title. At the end of that same year, he added the English strap with a points win over unbeaten Lawrence Osueke.
It wasn't until two years later, in November 2021, when he took the biggest step up in his career to beat Hosea Burton, cousin of Tyson Fury, with a seventh-round stoppage at Wembley Arena. That career-best win saw him crowned with the coveted Lonsdale belt, completing the trinity of domestic honours – Southern Area, English, British.
In his last fight in December, he defeated former world champion Rocky Fielding to add the Commonwealth strap to his increasing hoard. And now he takes the next natural step up to European level.
Not only has Azeez chosen the traditional route, taking each logial step up the ladder and winning all four titles he has challenged for. He has also defended each one of his belts, except for the SA, seeing off all challengers on his way to picking up more accolades. He has won seven championship contests in all, which includes four title defences.
His next step up – toward the pinnacle of world titles – is the European, and on March 11, Azeez will be in the unfamiliar role as challenger when facing the European champion, Thomas Faure.
Frenchman Faure is far more experienced, having spent five years longer and eight more bouts in the pro ranks.
As the defending champion in his own back yard in Paris, Faure will represent a tough test for Azeez as he aims to continue his successful ascent to word level.
