JOSHUA Buatsi has signed with his third UK promoter since turning professional in 2017.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medallist has now joined forces with Queensberry Promotions, having previously been aligned with Matchroom and Boxxer. Speculation was rife earlier this week that Buatsi had become a free agent, potentially triggering an exodus of talent from Ben Shalom’s Boxxer, who are currently without a television deal.
Now 32, Buatsi has yet to challenge for a world title. Last time out, he lost the biggest fight of his career when Callum Smith outpointed him over 12 rounds to claim the WBO Interim light-heavyweight belt.
Victories over Craig Richards, Dan Azeez, and Willy Hutchinson stand out on Buatsi’s résumé, but he may now finally land a long-anticipated fight against new Queensberry stablemate and domestic rival Anthony Yarde.
Promoter Frank Warren now boasts two new additions to his light-heavyweight ranks, following the recent signing of European champion Bradley Rea.
Buatsi, 19-1 (13 KOs), explained his decision to sign with Queensberry and insisted that the setback against Smith has not derailed his ambition to become a world champion.
“After speaking with multiple promoters, Queensberry has a plan I’m comfortable with,” explained Buatsi. “I’m a British fighter, and the support I get from UK fans means everything.
“There’s nothing like fighting in front of a home crowd – the energy, the passion, it drives me. With Queensberry, I’ve got a team that understands that and backs me properly here in the UK.
“At the same time, their international links mean I can still make moves in the US and globally. Most importantly, they’ve got the right plan for my career – not just big fights, but the right fights, at the right time as I’m on the journey to become a World Champion.”
Warren believes Buatsi is a natural fit for world title contention and named him as a likely opponent for the winner of the upcoming WBC light-heavyweight title fight between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde in November.
“The light heavyweights possess so much quality, and Josh will be a major mover in the division and right in the mix for world title contention.
“When Bivol and Beterbiev settle their trilogy sequence, the division should open up and there will be massive fights to be made. There is also the Benavidez-Yarde world title fight coming up in Riyadh and Josh will be a natural candidate to take on the winner.
“In the meantime, we will keep Josh busy and ready for the major challenges, with regular activity being something he has lacked in recent years.”
