Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson Predictions: ‘Super’ Dan must have a plan

The vacant British light heavyweight championship will be on the line this Saturday, October 19, when Dan Azeez takes on Lewis Edmondson. The title 12-rounder takes place at the Copper Box Arena in London on a card headlined by Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies. The event will be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event.

Here are my Azeez vs Edmondson predictions ahead of this title tussle.

Light heavyweight is one of the strongest divisions in Britain. This country can boast world-ranked talent like WBO interim champion Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Yarde (who features on Saturday’s card), Willy Hutchinson, Callum Smith, Zach Parker and Lyndon Arthur.

Azeez sits in the top 10 for the WBO, WBC and WBA in a division inundated with top Brits. His opponent, Edmondson, is yet to crack the world ratings. But a victory here would see yet another UK-based boxer occupy a slot in the global rankings.

That is easier said than done, of course. Azeez is unlike anyone that the 9-0 Edmondson has met in the pro ranks. ‘The Saint’ has taken a huge leap of faith for this fight, jumping straight from eight-rounders to a championship 12 with the famous Lord Lonsdale Challenge belt on the line. Edmondson has set himself a mammoth task here.

It was not long ago that Azeez was the toast of British boxing. Wins over Hosea Burton, Shakan Pitters and Rocky Fielding established him near the top of the domestic crop. Azeez held the British and Commonwealth at the conclusion of that run of fights. ‘Super’ would add the European belt to his mantle in his next bout, outsourcing Thomas Faure for the vacant strap.

Azeez had the world at his feet when he agreed to a clash with friend-turned-rival Joshua Buatsi. The contest captured the imagination of the British boxing public. It had everything. A personal angle. Two unbeaten records. A recognition that these men each had a claim to the domestic crown.

Buatsi reasserted his world class credentials, beating Azeez via unanimous decision. The one-sided nature of the defeat was a setback for our subject. He has done everything there is to do at domestic level. There is a worry that Azeez is just spinning his wheels now at the age of 32 as he prepares to try and reclaim his British and Commonwealth crowns.

A draw with 12-2 Hrvoje Sep in an eight-rounder compounded these worries. But Azeez gets a chance for a reset here against a hungry challenger, but one who lacks his experience at the top level.

Azeez will need to exercise a degree of caution of course. Edmondson will likely be viewing this as a scenario where he has very little to lose. He has already shown his confidence in and out of the ring. Inside the squared circle, his nine wins have been racked up with poise and class. Outside of it, he has already called out high-profile foes like Ben Whittaker. This is a man in a hurry.

Azeez won’t let him rush though. Look for the more experienced man to try and establish supremacy early, keeping his lively opponent in check. This early rhythm will be vital to how the fight unfolds. Whoever takes the early rounds could set the pace in this fascinating collision.

Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson Fight Odds

Azeez is a narrow 5/6 favourite in this one. You can get 1/1 on Edmondson pulling the fight out of the bag while a draw is priced at 12/1.

Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson Full Card

Michael McKinson vs Tulani Mbenge

Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies 

Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson

Jeamie Tshikeva vs Franklin Ignatius

Anthony Yarde vs Ralfs Vilcans

Francesca Hennessy vs Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes

Shannon Courtenay vs Catherine Tacone Ramos

Sam Hickey vs John Henry Mosquera

Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson Prediction

I think Azeez takes this fight. ‘Super’ Dan needs a performance and I think he is aware of that. A poor display here probably nixes his world title ambitions for good. I think that lingering thought will spur him into something special.

My tip here is Azeez to win at 5/6.

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