Lyndon Arthur remains optimistic about a potential showdown with Dan Azeez, despite the fight fluctuating in and out of the boxing spotlight for the past year.
In 2023, the Manchester light heavyweight shared with the BBC that he and Azeez were destined to face each other in an exciting all-British clash at the weight of 175lbs. Notably, Joshua Buatsi, considered the top British fighter, has already triumphed over Azeez and Craig Richards, who recently suffered a loss to the improving Willy Hutchinson. Arthur also boasts a significant victory against Anthony Yarde, although he was defeated in the fourth round of their rematch.
On June 21, tune in to Channel 5 for an exciting match between ‘King’ Arthur (23-2, 16 KOs) and Liam Cameron (23-5, 10 KOs). Arthur is determined to bounce back after his loss to WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia six months ago. This fight not only offers Arthur the opportunity for another victory but also a chance to secure a WBA ranking belt.
Arthur spoke to Boxing News about Friday’s task at the Bolton Whites Hotel.
“This is his chance to shine, and in order to match his level of performance, I must also bring my absolute best. Therefore, I am not underestimating Liam Cameron in the slightest, and I am eagerly looking forward to the challenge we face on Friday.”
The possibility of facing Azeez may have been shattered during the recent match at Selhurst Park, where Hrvoje Sep, a Croat, nearly caused a major upset. Referee Bob Williams scored the fight 76-76 after eight rounds. However, the silver lining is that there is still a chance for Arthur to go up against Azeez.
Arthur declares, “I desire to engage in a battle.”
I am aware that Dan Azeez had a draw over the weekend, but I don’t think that was his best performance by any means. It’s possible that he underestimated his opponent or didn’t fully commit to his training. We all have off days where we can’t be at our best all the time.
I am confident that if he were to face me in a fight, he would give his utmost effort, leaving no aspect of his training untouched. Our respective fighting styles would harmonize, resulting in an exceptional match. Should that fight come to fruition, I eagerly anticipate it.
Arthur, similar to Azeez, is heavily favored to defeat Cameron in their upcoming boxing match. Cameron, who made his return to the sport last October following a four-year suspension from UKAD due to a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, faces an uphill battle against Arthur. Adding to the weight of Cameron’s journey, he also tragically lost his stepdaughter Tiegan in a car accident during the same year he received his ban. However, Cameron has managed to overcome his alcohol addiction. These significant challenges in Cameron’s life will be highlighted during the Channel 5 broadcast tomorrow night.
“Regarding Cameron’s troubles, I’ve caught snippets,” Arthur remarked. “I believe he faced a boxing ban, perhaps due to his involvement with drinking or some other issue. However, apart from that, I don’t give it much attention. At the moment, I’m unable to delve into the details. Maybe I’ll consider it after the fight, and possibly have a conversation with him. But truthfully, I couldn’t be less concerned right now. Things might change after the fight though.”
Although his response was not intended to be disrespectful or offensive, Arthur understood that during a fight week, a boxer must prioritize their own focus. Arthur did not seek sympathy for his personal experience, which involved the tragic loss of his older brother Zennen Blackburn, who was shot and killed in Bolton when Arthur was only 10 years old.
Arthur stumbled upon boxing at the age of 19, but it wasn’t until he turned 25 that he took the plunge into the professional circuit. Throughout his eight-year journey, he has engaged in some thrilling battles, dared to challenge for a world title, and even managed to claim a few championship belts of his own. However, many believe that his potential for greatness remains untapped, leaving a lingering sense of unfulfilled possibilities.
He says, “I have achieved satisfactory results. I haven’t performed poorly. Reaching the level I am currently at has been challenging.”
“I have experienced both highs and lows throughout my journey. It is only natural to face challenges along the way. I have embraced each situation as it came, and I must say that my most recent bout against Bivol was quite a significant event. In fact, I believe I have headlined the past four or five shows, totaling around seven or eight in my career.”
Coming from Moston, it’s a significant accomplishment for me. Not many individuals from my hometown or even Manchester achieve much. There aren’t many people who excel. In boxing, I have represented Manchester to some extent, and that makes me content. Of course, I believe I can achieve greater things. I have the potential to accomplish more. Nevertheless, the journey thus far has been rewarding.
