JOSHUA Buatsi has named Anthony Yarde as his ideal next fight.
The two British light-heavyweights have long been linked to a fight against one another and now each of them is ranked in the world top 10.
Yarde last fought in January against champion Artur Beterbiev in what was a thrilling title fight in London. The 38-year-old eventually stopped the Brit’s memorable challenge in round 8.
This past Saturday Buatsi ended his 12-month absence by beating Pawel Stepien in Birmingham. His promotional debut for Boxxer was a winning one in the main event beating the Pole on points over 10 rounds.
Buatsi 17-0 (13) was a guest on this week’s Sky Sports Toe 2 Toe podcast and host Andy Scott asked if Yarde would be his next choice of opponent.
“If they said you pick, I’d say him 100 percent absolutely,” Buatsi answered.
“I think it’d be a good fight, an entertaining fight and if I had to pick out of whoever to fight, I would say him. Do I think I win? Absolutely. There’s no explanation or any maybes or ifs and buts. I think I win hands down.”
Although Buatsi maintained his unbeaten record against Stepien he wasn’t satisfied. The reaction to his performance has been negative and the Londoner admits he wishes he had won inside the distance.
“I’m still a bit upset and I’m recovering over it,” the 30-year-old said.
“There are some expectations that come with being the main event and star. That’s what’s in my mind and why I’m not over the moon. I won convincingly but just the icing on the cake I didn’t get.”
