Joshua Buatsi Hunting a Showdown With Anthony Yarde
Regarding the light heavyweight scene in Great Britain, Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) feels he’s at the top of the mountain. He’s hoping that next on his hit list is a battle with countryman and former world title challenger Anthony Yarde (25-3, 24 KOs).
Buatsi is coming off an impressive decision win over Dan Azeez in a WBA world title eliminator on February 3. In attendance for Yarde’s third-round knockout over Marko Nikolic on February 10, Buatsi spoke to the British news outlet Boxing Social about a potential fight with Yarde.
“I think it should be next. I’m quite optimistic about it, so I’m hoping it’ll be next […] I physically came here to make sure we can get that fight closer. So, I hope that it happens.”
A LONG TIME COMING?
Buatsi vs Yarde is a match that’s been on the minds of the English public for several years. The potential matchup would feature the slick boxing skills and professionalism of Buatsi versus the athleticism, physical strength, and punching power of Yarde. Both fighters are world-ranked. It’s a big fight domestically that would draw a sizable crowd and make good money.
Soon to be the mandatory contender by the WBA, Buatsi’s first preference would be to fight the reigning WBA champion, Dmitry Bivol. However, word on the street is that Bivol will fight unified champion Artur Beterbiev this summer for the undisputed crown at 175.
So, with Buatsi not fighting for a world title anytime soon, a domestic battle against Yarde is the most sensible move. In terms of how he thinks he would do against fellow Brit, Buatsi said the following:
“Whoever I fight next – in this situation, Yarde – I’m confident that I’ll come out on top.”
