The light heavyweight Dan Azeez is to fight Lewis Edmondson at London’s Copper Box Arena on October 19.
Azeez, 35, last fought in June when on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith-Richard Riakporhe he disappointed in drawing with Hrvoje Sep of Croatia over eight rounds.
In February he lost for the first time, against Joshua Buatsi via decision, having previously recorded 20 victories from his 20 fights. Against Edmondson, 28 and who defeated him as an amateur, he fights to return to towards the top of one of the most competitive weight divisions in the UK.
“Lewie is a good, skilful, young fighter,” said Azeez of the fight on the undercard of Adam Azim-Ohara Davies. “He whooped me as an amateur and now it’s time to return the favour.”
“I respect Dan as a fighter,” said the undefeated Edmondson. “He’s very experienced. He’s been there numerous times. We know each other well.
“We fought as amateurs and sparred in the early days of my pro career. I’m expecting a tough and rough fight. What you see is what you get with Dan. I respect him as a person but it’s the fight game and it’s time to announce myself on the big stage. He’s had his time and it’s mine now.”
On the same Boxxer promotion, Michael McKinnon fights fellow welterweight Tulani Mbenge of South Africa, Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius fight at heavyweight, and the promising bantamweight Francesca Hennessy will fight an opponent to be confirmed.