Joshua Buatsi feels he needs more training before a title shot
There is no question that light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi (14-0, 12 KO’s) is a fantastic fighter and will more than likely be a future world champion. In his last outing, he dominated, then rumpled Daniel Dos Santos in a four-round pulverization. For more than a year the Ghanaian pugilist has had his name flirted around as a possible opponent for IBF and WBC World Light Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KO’s). Along with Beterbiev, Buatsi has been mentioned as a potential challenger for WBA Super World Super Light Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KO’s). In fact, his Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, has openly talked about his desire to make the Bivol fight a reality.
While there is no doubt that it would be a thrilling contest, and there is a market for it, the question is: does Buatsi want it? The answer is yes, and no. Of course, one of Buatsi’s overall goals in the sport is to become a world champion. Yet, at the same time, the Ghanaian understands that if he moves too fast, then he could easily sour one of the biggest moments in his life. Bearing this fact in mind, the light heavyweight contender is determined not to barrel ahead in foolhardy fashion.
GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT
Following his four-round dismantling of Dos Santos, Buatsi crushed any hope of a showdown with Artur Beterbiev coming any time soon. The Ghanaian revealed his thoughts in a brief interview with Sky Sports Boxing.
“The meaning of what my goal is and what I view success as will change all the time, but we’ll be a world champion for sure! That’s definite. I wouldn’t take it [a title shot] next. I could be open but I wouldn’t take it next. When would I take it? I’m not too sure but will it be next, no. I still have a lot to learn and keep learning.”
While Buatsi did end any notion of seeing a clash with Beterbiev next, he did assure that he still wants to fight top flight competition.
“Like I said earlier, all the top ten light heavies in the country sound appealing. I think we will make a good mix of good dancing partners if any of us box each other. So yeah I am not going to highlight any names, but I reckon anyone in the top ten. If we get in with each other, we will make a good fight.”
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Of course, as fight fans, we want to see the mouth-watering matchups as quickly as possible. Yet, it would be harsh to ridicule Buatsi for wanting to add a few more tricks to his arsenal. He is still just one fight removed from suffering a serious injury and he still may be testing the waters with that. He certainly did not take much damage in the Dos Santos fight and may have lingering questions about how it would hold up in a more serious firefight.
The Ghanaian also has had just one fight with his new chief second, Virgil Hunter. Naturally they will need more time to completely gel as a smoothly flowing unit. There is no question that Hunter is adding new wrinkles to his game, and base of knowledge, that may take some additional time to get accustomed to. So for the moment, the boxing public will just have to sit tight and be patient. At the same time, aficionados of the fisticuffs will only sit idly by but for so long before they lose their composure and voice their growing discontent. Ideally, it will not come to this and Joshua Buatsi will challenge for a world title sooner rather than later. No matter how it all plays out, 3kingboxing will be there to report the news!
By: Bakari Simpson
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