Dan Azeez has been handed a boost ahead of his latest bout this weekend – by boxing legend Frank Bruno.

The Essex University Boxing Club fighter has been catching the eye after turning professional last year with his 3-0 record, which has included two knockouts.

And after a chance meeting, the powerful and charismatic Azeez has earned the praise of former WBC heavyweight champion Bruno, who has been seemingly impressed by the light heavyweight’s performances.

Azeez said: “He came up to me and said ‘you’re the one they’re calling mini Frank!’.

“He knew who I was and what I’m about and it was great to hear that from a legend like him.

“I’m honoured to hear any compliments and I was really happy to hear that.

“People like Frank have inspired me and my attire is a throwback to that 80s and 90s era, with my robe and red velvet.”

Azeez will be looking to continue his fine professional record when he appears at the Home Coming event at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich, on Saturday night.

It will be 28-year-old’s first appearance away from the Brentwood Centre, where his previous three bouts have taken place.

“I feel good and things are progressing well,” said Azeez, who progressed through the amateur ranks under the guidance of coach Gordon Charlesworth at the Colchester-based Essex University BC.

“I’ll be looking to do the same again and put in another good performance.

“It’s only been three weeks since my last fight and my weight is fine, so I didn’t have to do too much.

“I think it’s an advantage to be boxing so regularly and I feel like I have some momentum.

“I’m also learning how to prepare for every fight and not to lose weight – it’s more a case of technique work.

“All three of my pro fights so far have been at Brentwood and this one is in Ipswich but it doesn’t make any difference to me where I box.

“I’m focused on doing well.”

Azeez is still waiting to hear who he will come up against in Ipswich, after his scheduled opponent withdrew from the bout.

“The guy I was supposed to fight was someone that I had boxed at amateur level but he’s pulled out,” added Azeez, who regularly spars with Team GB Rio Olympian Lawrence Okolie.

“It will be a different opponent on Saturday night but whoever I’m up against, I look forward to it.”