Dan Azeez vs Lewie Edmondson: The rebuild vs a huge opportunity

Southampton’s Edmondson admits he would have liked to have been more active over the past few years.

At 28, “The Saint” is unbeaten with nine professional wins to his name and Saturday will be his second fight of 2024 after winning a decision over Portsmouth’s Joel McIntyre in May.

“Dan’s been in a lot of hard spars and fights. He’s 35 and I believe he’s slowing down a bit,” Edmondson said.

“At the same time he’s going to give the best account of himself. He knows this is his last chance to put on a good performance and after I’m victorious, I feel like that will be the end of Dan Azeez.”

Edmondson is managed and advised by former world champion Billy Joe Saunders.

Edmondson signed a contract to fight Ben Whittaker, but a fight with the Olympic silver medallist never happened.

However Saturday’s contest in Stratford provides the toughest test of his career, an opportunity to make a name for himself against a well respected rival in Azeez.

“It’s my time now, there’s a big statement coming,” Edmondson added.

“I’ve put the work in this camp, sparring Willy Hutchinson in Marbella and other class operators too. There’s no stone that has been left unturned and I’m ready to put on a show.

“Two British light-heavyweights going at it, what more could you want, it’s what people want to see.”