By Ton Donelson / Member Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA)

Joshua Buatis defeated Dan Azeez in what was called a light heavyweight eliminator in a 12-round decision as judges scored it 116-100, 117-109 and 117-109.   Buatis is now 18-0 with thirteen stoppages and is in line with the winner of the Beterview vs Bivol. 

 

Buatis’ bodywork and quick left hand proved decisive in the fight and added two knock downs in round eleven.  This was a clear victory for Buatis as his power punching was the difference as he connected on 35 percent of them and landed 152 power shot to seventy-two for Azeez. 

Buatis’ power punching was the difference, as he out landed Azeez 152-72, hitting on 35% and throwing one hundred more. Buatis also landed fifty-two body shots whereas Azeez landed a few more jabs.   Overall, a good fight. 

Conor Benn predicted a first round knockout over Peter Dobson, but he found himself winning a decision 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 and this was the first time that he went twelve rounds.    Benn was disappointed in being forced going the distance but then Dobson was also undefeated even though he never faced an opponent of Benn quality.  Dobson, however, showed a strong chin and he landed his share of right hands.

Benn landed one hundred more punches and forty-five percent of power shots but starting in the fourth round, Dobson made it a fight as he started to land his right and he connected on 45 percent of his power shots, similar to Benn. 

In the final round, Benn landed a left but with ten seconds left , Dobson nailed Benn with a nasty right.   Over the last four rounds,  Dobson landed more power shots including a hard right with a minute left in the tenth round, and in the eleventh round another right shook Benn.   

The first three rounds went Benn way but at the end of the third round Dobson landed a few right as the third round ended. In the fourth round, Dobson let his hands go and started to get into the fight.

Benn won the fight and is still undefeated with twenty-three straight victories, but it was tougher than he anticipated.  Benn has not fought in his country since he failed two tests for clomiphene before a scheduled fight against Chris Eubank, Jr. in October 2022.  The ban was lifted by the England National anti-doping board control, but British boxing board of control appealed the decision.   So for now, Benn is fighting outside his native Great Britain.