The sacrifices and hard work appear to be paying off for Dan Azeez.
Azeez (15-0, 10 KOs) secured the victory of his career in November, halting Hosea Burton with a spiteful seventh round stoppage to win the British light heavyweight title at the SSE Arena.
The undefeated 32-year-old was rewarded with a long-term promotional deal by Ben Shalom’s BOXXER and Sky Sports earlier this month and feels he is on course to make further strides in his career.
“It meant so much [to win the British title],” Azeez told proboxing-fans.com on Monday.
“It’s helped me elevate to where I am now. Long-term deal with BOXXER, Sky Sports, what more can I say, man? I’m well happy, man.
“It’s not the beginning, but there’s still so much more that I want to achieve, so much more to do.
“For me it feels like the wheels are finally in motion.
“I had to do it the hard way. There’s nothing wrong with doing it the hard way. I’ve earned my stripes and I’m here now.”
Azeez has gone the traditional route, claiming Southern Area, English and British titles, previously without a promoter backing him.
The Londoner, who is ranked at six with the WBA behind world champion, Dmitry Bivol, is set to defend his crown on the undercard of Richard Riakporhe’s clash with Deion Jumah on March 26 back at the SSE Arena against former amateur foe Matthew Tinker, who is unbeaten in his first eight fights, although an official confirmation of the clash has not been made.
Regardless, Azeez says he is as motivated as he was prior to winning the Lonsdale belt and feels he is yet to fully receive the recognition, in a thriving division which consists of domestic rivals, Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Yarde and Craig Richards among others.
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“The higher in levels you reach the harder it is, the better the opponents [are].
“So, you’ve got to keep on working hard otherwise before you know it it’s done, so that’s the motivation.
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“I still feel like I’m somewhat not being mentioned where I want to be mentioned, but it is what it is.
“You’ve just got to work your way until there’s no way they can’t mention your name.”
Watch the full interview with Dan Azeez below:
