Buatsi overcomes Azeez after ferocious 12 rounds

Joshua Buatsi overcame a determined Dan Azeez as the two Londoners waged a 12-round war at Wembley Arena.

Buatsi dropped Azeez twice in the 11th round, but Azeez blamed the slippery canvas for losing his footing.

A short right from Buatsi landed and Azeez's right foot slipped out from under him. He hit the deck and the referee took up the count.

A wide right slammed Azeez over at the end of the round and again Azeez pointed, frustrated at the canvas.

Azeez tore forward in the last round, mounting a tremendous assault. But Buatsi waded into him, hammering Azeez into the ropes with wide-armed hooks.

Both finished proudly on their feet and embraced after the final bell.

A unanimous decision and victory in this final eliminator for the WBA light-heavyweight title went to Buatsi, who also won Azeez's British title. The judges scored 116-110 and 117-109 twice, all for Buatsi.