Callum Johnson vs. Joshua Buatsi Could Happen According To Eddie Hearn
Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn is currently in the process of preparing for boxing’s anticipated return in England in July. Like all promoters from England, he will have to adhere and adjust to the new travel restrictions set forth by the British Boxing Board of Commissions, which will be the rule for the immediate future.
As a result, Hearn will be forced to do something he’s usually loathed to do, and that is stage bouts between two British fighters.
Given that backdrop, the Matchroom boss told Sky Sports that a fight that could possibly happen is a domestic light heavyweight showdown between Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) and former world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs).
“I don’t really like making fights between two of our own guys. But I understand that Johnson vs Buatsi is a fantastic all-British fight. It could be for a world title. In the short-term, it could be for a European title.
“I know Johnson and Buatsi like this fight.
“It’s risky for both. Risky for Johnson because he’s looking for a world-title shot and would be fighting an undefeated domestic contender. Risky for Buatsi because Johnson is world-level and he hasn’t boxed at that level yet.”
SETTING THE STAGE
Johnson is on a career wave. Having gone to war in a failed title attempt IBF/WBC world Light Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev October 2018, the 34-year-old rebounded with an impressive 3rd round knockout over Sean Monaghan in his last outing in March 2019.
Buatsi is arguably England’s top prospect. Unbeaten, ultra-talented, and already ranked #2 by the WBA and #3 by the IBF in the world at 175-pounds, he has the look of a future world champion.
Hearn understands the potential of Buatsi. He has invested a lot in him both in and out of the ring and feels he is on the fast track to a world title.
“He was due to fight last November against Blake Caparello, the perfect fight for him. An eliminator for the IBF title, Caparello is a gate-keeper.
“He is fresh, with no wear and tear in the pro game.
“Buatsi is a guy who needs to move along fast in the next 12-18 months. He is extremely intelligent and knows that you’ve got to make the right moves and the right time.”
An interesting side-bar is that both Johnson and Buatsi are scheduled to appear together as guests on Sky Sports “The Boxing Show” on June 5. Is this a coincidence? Probably not. Is this very well a setup to an eventual fight between the two? Probably so.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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