After the victory in the WBA light heavyweight eliminator (up to 79.4 kg) of the British prospect Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KOs) over compatriot Craig Richards (17-3-1, 10 KOs), when asked about the future of the prospect and, in particular, the reality of the fight against WBA “super champion” Russian Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) was answered by the promoter of fighters Eddie Hearn from Matchroom and the American coach Virgil Hunter Buatsy.
Hearn and Hunter also commented on a possible fight between Joshua and unified Russian champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs).
“Eddie, what’s next for Buatsy?”
“There are no more levels between Craig Richards and these world champions. The natural move would be to fight for the title. Obviously, if Canelo doesn’t fight Bivol, then I think there’s a very good chance it will be Buatsi.
“I know boxing doesn’t work like that, but Craig Richards gave Bivol a good fight. Joshua Buatsi defeated Richards and can now look at the fight with Bivol as…
– I think Buatsi-Bivol is a great fight. Maybe we can get him a rematch with Richards or a fight with Yarde or Callum Smith, some big home fight. But I know that Joshua Buatsy wants to fight for a world title.
Virgil, do you think Buatsy is ready for Canelo or Bivol?
“Honestly, I can’t say right now. Because being at the level of a world title is what I have to see. We will always be in a duel. Trust me, he will be there. I am not saying that he will lose to Bivol or Canelo. I think he will give them hell. It all comes down to his physical condition. We’ll give Canelo the heat and wear him out. Bivol has some nuances. I think we should work on a few more things and make Joshua just the perfect fighter. We need to give him the opportunity not only to win the title, but also to keep it, not only to fight for the title and come back.
— [вмешивается Хирн] The fight with Beterbiev will also be great. War.
Do you want his brain damaged?
– Stylistically, this is a great match.
Yes, it’s a great fight.
How Buatsi and Richards determined the challenger for Bivol: video of the best moments of the fight
