I'm honestly thinking Dan Azeez may be that guy after his sublime performance last weekend. He's got such a great style, clearly inspired by greats like Tyson and Hagler and he does a very good imitation. In fact he's blended those two styles very nicely, essentially making it his own.
It's hard to say just yet because i think Yarde, Arthur, Richards, Callum Johnson, Callum Smith and Buatsi would have done the same to Burton in similar fashion and maybe in a shorter time. He's definitely going to be a tricky opponent for the top guys in britain. They all need to fight eachother to find out and make great matches.
I would rank them as follows: 1. Callum Smith 2. Callum Johnson 3. Lyndon Arthur 4. Anthony Yarde 5. Joshua Buatsi 6. Dan Azeez 7. Craig Richards *Others; Rocky Fielding/Hosea Burton/Shakan Pitters I agree with the OP, that Azeez was spectacular against Burton. It is a bit early to rank him any higher than 6th, as those above him have proven themselves at a higher level. The LHW division in the UK is on fire, so he needs wins at a higher level than Burton to get higher up the British rankings.
I'm really thinking more H2H than anything based on the proven level of each fighters. Skillwise I place Azeez above the relatively limited guys above him. I can't wait to see him against that crop, the winner of Arthur vs Yarde could be his moment to truly prove his class and gain some credibility.
I'm intrigued to see how Smith does at that weight, I get the feeling that the same problems will occur if/when he goes up against the elite, too stiff.
Strong division for the UK. Callum Smith is the best of the lot for me. Also, there's Lewis Edmondson and Karol Itauma who look like good prospects.
Mundo is my pick too. It could've been Johnson, but he's squandered whatever momentum he gained from his showing against Beterbiev.
Wonder what Smiths plans are ? Surely after a warm up it would be easy to make the Bivol fight ? One which he probably loses but what else is out there for him ? I think Smith beats Johnson and then Smith v Yarde will be a great fight . Even though Johnson hits like a mule I see him wilting around the mid rounds. I think Yarde has a better chance v Smith
Yarde loses to anyone who can take the power, was impressed with him vs Arthur though, went for it. Buatsi would whip his head all over the place though with those fast combos and the footwork…
Buatsi's chin is still very much an unknown quantity. And tangential to this, I honestly think there's more to him pulling out of the fight with Vlasov -- an experienced and durable operator -- than we've been told.