FORMER Essex University Boxing Club member Dan Azeez has been crowned British light heavyweight champion when he ripped the title from former champion Hosea Burton at the SSE Wembley Arena, in front of a packed crowd.

Both boxers had a lot of a support, with many Colchester-based fans in attendance supporting the new champion.

Burton’s cousin Tyson Fury and family were in attendance in the front rows to lend their support but were not their punching power, as Azeez climbed all over the Manchester traveller boxer from the first bell.

Burton stands 6.4” and towered over the former Masters student but it was the solid left hand that knocked the Burton back into the ropes in their first encounter in the ring.

This was a good start from Azeez and after two rounds, was imposing himself in a dominant fashion with overhand crashing right hands finding their mark on Burton, forcing him to hold and slow the onslaught down.

A spirited recovery in round three from Burton was weathered with Azeez beckoning his opponent to stand toe to toe but the Manchester boxer was having none of it.

As the fight progressed the marks of battle were evident on the taller man, with his nose reddening and blood running down his face as Azeez's accuracy became more and more prevalent.

This was now turning into a one-sided affair with Azeez’s cornermen Brian O’Shaughnessy, Merv Turner and Gordon Charlesworth urging their man to turn the thumbscrews up and increase the power of his punches.

At the end of six rounds, there was a silence from Burton’s support knowing that their man was struggling to cope with Azeez's strength.

Following orders from his corner, Azeez smashed a left hand into Burton before shaking him with a solid right hand that had Burton laying on the ropes and in desperate trouble.

Azeez was not to be denied and landed another barrage of heavy punches before referee John Latham stepped into save Burton further punishment and bring an end to the one-sided affair.

The Essex Uni boxer fell to his knees to celebrate a career-best performance, unable to comprehend the magnitude of his win.

This has been a fantastic journey for Azeez who had more than 60 amateur bouts under the tutelage of coach Gordon Charlesworth at Essex University BC.

Now under the guidance of Brian O’Shaughnessy, he has amassed 15 professional fights picking up the Southern Area title, the English title, defending it once and now becoming the British Light Heavyweight champion.