‘Turkish Tyson’ Included: 5 Underrated Light Heavyweights to Watch Out for in 2024
As we look back on the memorable fights in 2023, it’s time to look forward to the rest of 2024. Big Fight Weekend are bringing you the next instalment in our underrated series, and next on our list is five underrated light heavyweights to watch out for in 2024.
Light Heavyweights to Look For in 2024
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Light Heavyweight: Lerrone Richards
Lerrone Richards (18-0, 4 KOs) has enjoyed a perfect start to his professional career, winning all his fights. The best win of his career remains the split decision victory over Carlos Gongora in 2021. After over a year out of the ring, Richards has returned at light heavyweight, defeating Harry Matthews by a 4th-round KO and recording a 79-74 points decision victory over Mickey Ellison. “Sniper The Boss” is an awkward opponent who uses his Southpaw jab effectively, which enables him to control the distance and dictate the pace of fights, as he did in the Gongora bout. A big 2024 beckons for this smooth operator.
Kareem Hackett
Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs) recorded his most impressive victory – last time out against Clay Waterman, winning comfortably by unanimous decision. Hackett has proven he has power and puts his punches together well, which has seen him amass a 100% record. “Supreme” showcased his brilliant southpaw jab against Waterman, which allowed him to follow up with a straight left to the body. His ring IQ has impressed those who have seen him fight, as he seems adaptable during bouts, and surely a top 15 clash beckons in 2024.
Billy Deniz
Lancashire-born Billy Deniz (9-0, 5 KOs) is walking through the UK light heavyweight scene and looks set to continue his ascent in 2024. Deniz has good foot movement, making him a difficult target to pin down. He has shown he has power and throws his punches with spite, which has seen him nicknamed “Turkish Tyson.” It’s difficult to gauge the potential of Deniz, but a step up in class surely beckons in 2024.
Roseanna Cox
Roseanna Cox (2-0, 1 KO) is a New Zealander-born light heavyweight fighting out of London. She impressed on her debut earlier in 2023, sitting down on her shots well and showcasing great accuracy. She also won her most recent outing against Trish Vaka.
Dan Azeez
Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs) is set to fight Joshua Buatsi on February 3 at Wembley Arena for the British and Commonwealth light heavyweight titles. Some may argue that “Super” is not underrated at all. There’s no doubt that the upcoming fight against Buatsi is a step up in class, but this is also an opportunity for Azeez to show what a classy operator he is. The London-born fighter has great ring IQ, which will be tested to the maximum on February 3. He’s physically imposing and punches with impressive accuracy. He’s superb at controlling the distance and engaging at the right times, ensuring his fight against Buatsi will provide plenty of fireworks.
Take a trip down memory lane with us to when Buatsi defeated Pawel Stepian, and we looked at what could come next for him, including a bout against Azeez.
