Photo Credit: Ernest Simons
Much of the focus on Saturday at Wembley Stadium will be on the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, but there is an interesting undercard bout that takes place on the latest Riyadh Season presentation.
A clash featuring two light heavyweights who are rated in the top 10 by Ring Magazine, Joshua Buatsi (rated fourth) and Willy Hutchinson (ranked number nine).
Both are atop the WBO rankings at 175, and this bout is being contested for their interim belt. What's really at stake is a probable shot at the winner between the October 12 showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, who battle for the undisputed title.
Coming out of the 2016 Olympics, the well-schooled Buatsi was thought to be an advanced prospect. One that would eventually challenge for a title sooner rather than later. Now in 2024 at age 31, Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) is finally knocking at the door. Some observers expected a quicker route, but Buatsi has no qualms over his career path.
He told SNAC.com last week, "When I look at the current situation, I'm in a good position. It's just up to me to capitalize on it. But you're right, as I look at it, it's been very up and down. But again, I also have to bring up the point that I'm not 18-5 because for one, you wouldn't be calling me, right?
"I am sitting here with a good record and in a position to be fighting for an interim belt.
Photo Credit: Ernest Simons
There has been some criticism over the relatively slow climb up the light heavyweight ladder. After all, Buatsi was a highly regarded amateur with an Olympic pedigree. They don't place high expectations on boxers with mediocre talent. Even some of his fans have been frustrated by his career path. But he feels no such frustration.
"Not really, to be honest," said Buatsi, who is a very measured personality. "Back to what I stated previously, I am out here in a good position. Again, if I weren't, you wouldn't be calling me. So I'm not frustrated."
Buatsi is best described as a solid all-around technician, who has no real holes in his game. His tools have been sharpened under the direction of Virgil Hunter (best known for training Andre Ward) in the Bay Area the past several years. Like another fighter on this card, middleweight contender, Hamzah Sheeraz, the decision was made to conduct training camps in the States.
Photo Credit: Ernest Simons
''It's massive,'' Buatsi explained. "Firstly, there's no distraction. And a rest day in America means a rest day. In London, a 'rest day' just means I'm not in the gym."
Hearing Buatsi say that you see the influence of Victor Conte and Remi Korchemny (who supervises his workouts on the track), this duo helps guide his nutritional program and strength-and-conditioning. They are part of the team that closely monitors Buatsi's training regimen alongside Hunter.
Conte, the founder of SNAC says, "We did comprehensive blood testing and advised Joshua on specific supplements to take, plus helped to modify his training load to recovery interval for peak performance. We precisely started his taper down period so he would be fully energized on fight night. Virgil and his entire team are very excited for this world title opportunity for Joshua."
"He has religiously done the work needed to be victorious."
Remi Korchemny, Virgil Hunter, Joshua Buatsi, Victor Conte, & Jeff Rael Photo Credit: Ernest Simons
Hutchinson (18-1, 13 KOs) they are facing a confident craftsmen who is coming off a decisive victory over Craig Richards in June. You can make an argument that both Buatsi and Hutchinson are facing the toughest opponents in their professional career. When asked his thoughts on Hutchinson, Buatsi answered, "I think he's good enough to be having this fight. He beat Craig Richards, and he has an interim belt. So he's a good fighter."
Back in February, Buatsi defeated Dan Azeez over 12 rounds to further strengthen his claim as a leading contender in the division.
Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez Official Fight Highlights
Buatsi makes it clear, he comes out victorious this weekend, there's only one other step to take.
"It's for the interim (title), if you win that, what's next? A fight for the title."
3KR
The '3 Knockdown Rule' with Mario Lopez and yours truly is back. This weeks show has a full review Saul Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga, along with a preview of this weekends card in London. We also are joined by Ash Habib, the head of the 'Undisputed' boxing video game:
THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE EPISODE 59 | VIVA CANELO | ASH HABIB INTERVIEW
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FINAL FLURRIES
On Friday night ESPN has coverage of the Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan bout from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona...Also on this show a heavyweight tilt between Richard Torrez Jr. and Joey Dawejko, and rising lightweight prospect, Emiliano Fernando Vargas....Looks like Matchroom Boxing is planning a November 9 card in Philly featuring Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez...I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
