What transpires when competitors meet outside of the ring may be a mystery to fans.
However, when I see them, there’s no drama. We used to train out of the same gym before I got pro, so I’ve known Azeez for a long time. I usually give him a hug when I meet him; he’s a lovely man. We converse normally. Craig Richards, another light-heavyweight from South London, is in the same boat. Buatsi and I have always had a more business-oriented connection.
But I do see him around. I met him recently at Stormzy’s birthday party; I’m friends with the rapper. When I saw Buatsi, we discussed fighting.
I watched the 2012 Summer Olympics with Buatsi. All I saw in the Olympics at the time was a boy from London, so I cheered him on.
He took home a bronze. I thought that was fantastic. Not long after, I began boxing.
His name began to surface as soon as he went professional because I was creating a lot of noise. You can’t talk about Buatsi without bringing up my name. To tell the truth, I hold his former promoter Eddie Hearn accountable.
Hearn called my name each time Buatsi engaged in combat.
It started to catch on. That seems to have irritated Buatsi a little. I would find it annoying. I’ve been asked a lot of questions about Buatsi in my career and I always answer honestly.
His whole career has been founded off of me, without even battling. That’s what I also stated to him.
We decided it was time for a fight at Stormzy’s birthday celebration. When I saw him in October at York Hall, we decided it was time to fight. Timing is everything at times.
On Saturday, Azeez and Buatsi battle it out. A match between them is more interesting than one of them competing for the world title. That’s not arrogance on my part.
I faced the demon, Artur Beterbiev. To fight Sergey Kovalev, I traveled to Russia. In world title fights, I’ve taken all the major risks, and I think it has earned me respect.
Everyone witnessed my actions against Beterbiev. I’m not afraid at all.
