Punch up in Paris: Dan Azeez vs Thomas Faure confirmed for March 11

Punch up in Paris: Dan Azeez vs Thomas Faure confirmed for March 11

On March 11, British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez (18-0, 12KO) will face European titleholder Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2KO) in Paris, in what is shaping up to be a highly-anticipated bout. The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans across the globe the chance to witness two of boxing’s finest in action.

Azeez, a 33-year-old South Londoner, has been steadily climbing the ranks since his professional debut in March 2018. He began his career on the small hall circuit, fighting in venues such as the Brentwood Centre and York Hall, before landing a coveted TV slot on the Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas event at the O2 Arena. Since then, he has collected a string of impressive victories, including his first title - the Southern Area light-heavyweight belt - which he won in his ninth fight against Charlie Duffield in 2019.

The following year, he added the English strap to his collection with a points win over unbeaten Lawrence Osueke, before taking on Hosea Burton - cousin of Tyson Fury - in November 2021, and emerging victorious with a seventh-round stoppage. This career-defining win saw him crowned with the 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. Now, he is set to take on the next natural step up to European level, and will be facing Faure in Paris.

Faure, a Frenchman, is a more experienced fighter, having spent five years longer in the pro ranks and fought eight more bouts. As the defending champion on his home turf, he will represent a formidable challenge for Azeez, who will be taking on the unfamiliar role of challenger. However, Azeez has demonstrated time and time again that he is more than up to the task, having won all four titles he has challenged for and defended each one, except for the Southern Area belt.

This upcoming bout will be Azeez’s fifth title defence, and marks his next step towards the pinnacle of world titles. It promises to be an exciting and closely-fought contest, with both fighters bringing their A-game to the ring. Boxing fans across the world will be tuning in to witness this highly-anticipated bout, and to see who emerges victorious.