Light heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi, who holds the number one ranking with the WBA, wants to make a big statement when he faces Pawel Stepien.
Buatsi will collide with Stepien on May 6 at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham.
The Olympian will be snapping a year layoff, after securing a dominant decision win over Craig Richards back in May of 2022.
Although unbeaten and entering the pros on the back of a respected amateur career, Stepien has never faced an opponent on the level of Buatsi in the paid ranks.
Regardless of that, Buatsi has a lot of respect for the skills of Stepien.
“Every time I step in the aim is to be dominant,” Buatsi told Sky Sports. “It’s always my aim. That’s the sport that we’re in. I’m not much of a trashtalker. I’m quite aware that when I get in the ring this is my time to actually make a statement. I’m very much aware that when it’s time to fight I always have to show up.
“[Stepien] boxed at a good level for his country. I saw a bout of him in the World Series of Boxing. For me I think to represent a country or a nation at that level, you must have been good for them to choose you. So I think he’s someone who’s got good amateur pedigree and recently he was meant to fight Callum Smith. So if you’re willing to fight the likes of Smith and being in camp already for that fight, which was meant to be earlier on [in March] then he’ll be in good shape. I think he’s a good opponent.”
The goal is victory, but Buatsi wants to put on a high-class performance when he faces Stepien.
“My aim is to win most importantly but if you can put on a show for the people to enjoy, to go home and say as always there were good fights but this fight stood out. This guy was a good fighter, great knockout, great win, whatever it is, I think it’s important to leave with that perception in their mind. Whatever it is, whatever it takes to win, my intention is to make sure I go in there and get it,” Buatsi said.
Credit: BoxingScene