Briton Joshua Buatsi outpointed friend and rival Dan Azeez in a brilliant all-British light-heavyweight encounter at Wembley’s OVO Arena.
Buatsi floored his fellow Londoner twice in the 11th round, although Azeez insisted he slipped on both occasions.
Two judges scored it 116-110 and the other 117-109 to Buatsi in a bout where both men continued swinging into the final seconds.
The contest was an eliminator for WBA champion Dmitry Bivol’s world title, while Buatsi also picks up the British and Commonwealth belts with his 18th professional win.
Azeez, who suffered a first defeat in his 21st bout, was gracious in defeat.
“He was just the better man,” said the 34-year-old. “I can’t say one particular thing. He came and performed. He’s a great athlete inside and outside the ring. I respect him.”
He is now in line to face Bivol but may have to wait for his shot. The Russian is likely to contest an undisputed title fight with fellow champion and compatriot Artur Beterbiev this summer.
Azeez can lift his head high despite suffering a huge blow to his immediate world-title hopes. A latecomer to the sport who turned pro just over six years ago, he still has a bright future in the sport.
