Ghana’s Joshua Buatsi, is all set to take on Beterbiev or Bivol for the world title
Joshua Buatsi from Ghana confidently secured a split-decision interim WBO title win over Willy Hutchinson to set himself up for the winner of Beterbiev, Bivol set for October 12.
Quizzed if he was ready for the world title challenge, the Ghanaian power puncher answered in the affirmative.
“If I didn’t feel ready for them I wouldn’t have taken this fight,” Buatsi stated. “It was for the interim title, and the winner gets a shot at the full WBO belt – so it is very self-explanatory.” Buatsi said.
Buatsi has an impeccable record, having won all 19 bouts since turning professional in 2017, with the last four of them going the distance.
The London-based fighter had high praise for for his handlers and family “My team – I want to shine the light on them,” he emphasized. “They were fantastic with me. The last two weeks I was a bit weird towards them – I’m forever grateful for the support system that I have got, my family and friends.
“It was two of my best buds’ birthdays in September and I dedicate that win to them.” Buatsi further dedicated the victory to his friends.
“Willy was tricky – I have to give him credit. He is a hell of a tough guy. I said to Willy: ‘I wasn’t that good at 25 or 26 – props to you’. When I was hitting him I knew I was hurting him. He fell twice but he got up every time and came back stronger. I have to take my hat off to him.
“There was a bit of a mad build-up but it was never personal. Now that the fight is over, I move on. I was attached to it until I won. Now I move on.” He expressed.
By this victory, Joshua Buatsi is now in pole position to face the winner of the clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitriy Bivol.