Weigh-In Results
On Friday, at the weigh-in for their highly anticipated 12-round light heavyweight contest in Riyadh, Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi both came in just under the weight limit. Smith weighed in at 174 lbs, while Buatsi, the WBO interim light heavyweight champion, tipped the scales at 175 lbs. This Saturday night’s showdown is a crucial one for both fighters, as the winner will be in contention to challenge the victor of the main event, which features Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
The Fighters
Callum Smith, now 34 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the ring with a professional record of 30-2 and 22 knockouts. Known for his powerful punches and strategic approach, Smith has faced some of the best in the business. On the other side, Joshua Buatsi is an undefeated champion with a record of 19-0 and 13 knockouts. Buatsi, who is known for his aggressive and relentless style, is coming off a grueling 12-round split decision win against Willy Hutchinson on September 21st. In that fight, Buatsi was hurt multiple times but managed to secure the victory, making it the toughest fight of his career.
Smith’s Advantage
One significant advantage Smith has is his punching power. He hits considerably harder than Hutchinson, and if he can land his shots effectively, he might just finish what Hutchinson started. Buatsi’s offensive approach, characterized by his all-out aggression and lack of defensive strategy, will likely make it easier for Smith to find openings. However, Smith will need to be cautious, as Buatsi’s punch output and determination are formidable. The odds suggest a tough night for Smith, with the prospect of enduring significant punishment from Buatsi. Despite these challenges, Smith is confident in his abilities, stating, "Just be me, turn up, and perform the way I know I can, and I know I’m good enough to get the job done."
Title Implications
The stakes for this fight are incredibly high, as the winner could be in line to face the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol main event. Darren Barker, a former middleweight champion, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the bout, noting, "There are so many variables where this fight can be won and lost. Is Callum Smith too experienced, too seasoned? Is this the night that Joshua Buatsi is going to show us what he’s all about? This one is a cracker and not to be missed." Ade Oladipo, another boxing expert, emphasized the global implications, saying, "There’s so much on the line as well. The winner could be in line to face the winner of the main event [Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2] as well. So, it’s not just British bragging rights. We’re talking world title implications for both. It should be an incredible fight."
Smith’s Confidence
When asked about the notion that this fight could be a passing of the torch, Callum Smith was measured in his response. "Tune in tomorrow night, and you’ll see," he said, deflecting any pre-fight hype. Smith added, "He’s a good fighter, but I feel that I’m better, and I get a chance to show that. Most definitely." His confidence is palpable, and he believes he will be at his best on Saturday night. Smith’s experience and resilience will be key factors in this bout, as he aims to prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
The Anticipation Builds
As the fighters step into the ring on Saturday night, the boxing world will be watching closely. Both Smith and Buatsi have the potential to deliver a memorable performance, and the implications of this fight extend far beyond the immediate contest. Whether it’s Smith’s experience and power or Buatsi’s youthful aggression and determination that prevails, the fight is shaping up to be a must-see event. Fans can tune in to DAZN to witness this pivotal moment in light heavyweight boxing, where the future of the division could be decided.
