If there was a moment to describe Joshua Buatsi then it was illustrated during his vicious knockout of Daniel Dos Santos on Saturday.
Buatsi carries the mantra ‘Just Business’ and as he landed a devastating right hand to drop Dos Santos to the canvas, the Londoner was apologetic towards the Frenchman after following up with another powerful blow, purely out of instinct, as he closed the show emphatically in the fourth round at the AO Arena, Manchester.
The 28-year-old dominated the previously undefeated Dos Santos (15-1, 8 KOs) throughout the four rounds, knocking him down in the second as he cruised to a 14th straight professional victory.
A predatory finisher inside the ropes, Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) sent out a warning of his potential, despite perhaps not learning too much from a thoroughly outmatched foe.
However, he avoided the type of high-profile upset which has been seen regularly since the New Year, with Josh Warrington’s defeat to the unheralded Mauricio Lara a reminder of the threat an underdog brings, despite being seen as unknown quantities.
Buatsi’s attitude outside of the ring was also to be admired, foregoing any celebrations as his opponent received oxygen, before rising to his feet after several minutes.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist consoled the devastated Dos Santos as soon as the opportunity arose and was seen comforting him inside his dressing room.
The Brit made a sixth defence of his WBA International Light Heavyweight crown and secured his first victory since linking up with new trainer Virgil Hunter in March.
Hunter will be looking to lead his new charge to world title glory, much in the same vein he guided former undefeated, pound-for-pound star Andre Ward to success at Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight.
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed post-fight that Buatsi would be fighting on either July 17 in America or on July 24 or July 31 at the second edition of Fight Camp from the garden of Matchroom’s Headquarters against a fringe world level opponent to prepare him for a future shot at WBA champion, Dmitry Bivol, who he is just behind in the rankings at #2.
“Bivol is the level of the guys that he needs to beat to become world champion,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“I believe he can beat Dmitry Bivol, but we need to find that middle ground between Dos Santos and Dmitry Bivol.”
So who could Buatsi face in the summer?
Marcus Browne
If Buatsi returns in the USA on July 17, Marcus Browne could be the step-up he is looking for.
Browne (24-1, 16 KOs) has a standout win over former world champion, Badou Jack on his record and has a sole technical decision loss to another former world champion in Jean Pascal after their clash in August 2019 was halted due to the New York native suffering a nasty cut.
The 30-year-old is a skilful, southpaw operator who has competed at a much higher level than Buatsi and ended a period of inactivity with a unanimous decision win over Denis Grachev in April.
Buatsi would mark a second appearance in America after making his bow on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden in June 2019, giving him an opportunity to boost his profile stateside.
Browne is ranked above the Brit at #2 with the WBC in pursuit of unified IBF/WBC titlist, Artur Beterbiev, but is rated at #7 with the WBA with ‘JB’ at #2.
A potential meeting could be sanctioned as a world title eliminator by either governing body and with Browne tied to Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions and fighting on FOX, a deal would have to be reached with Matchroom Boxing.
Maxim Vlasov
Another fighter that could bridge the gap between world championship level is Maxim Vlasov.
Vlasov (45-4, 26 KOs) pushed Joe Smith Jr all the way in April in a majority decision defeat for the WBO Light Heavyweight world title in Oklahoma.
The 34-year-old proved that he still has plenty to offer to the division and would appear a perfect test for ‘JB’ with his experience having been a professional since 2005.
The Russian remains highly-rated by the WBO at #4, with Buatsi sitting at #7 so a fight between them would make sense if he desires another crack at a world title.
Vlasov is signed to Bob Arum’s Top Rank meaning that the fight would either take place on ESPN or DAZN, where Buatsi campaigns on.
Craig Richards
Domestically the 175lbs division is thriving and Craig Richards would seem the most realistic option currently.
Lyndon Arthur, Callum Johnson and Anthony Yarde are all in the mix, but all three are with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, complicating potential fights with Buatsi and Richards, who are both signed to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
As seen with Felix Cash (Matchroom) and Denzel Bentley (Queensberry) cross promotional fights are not beyond the realms of possibility, however in this case the fight was ordered.
Richards (16-2-1, 9 KOs) by no means disgraced himself with a valiant attempt in his maiden world title shot against Dmitry Bivol earlier this month, beaten on a unanimous decision.
’Spider’ proved he can compete with the elite and like Buatsi is perhaps lacking the experience at the moment. A meeting between them could make for a compelling all-British battle and a possibility for Fight Camp, should both men be keen.
“Craig Richards, if that’s a fight that can be made, that’s one that can certainly get done as well,” Hearn added to Sky Sports.
The 31-year-old is rated at #5 currently with the WBA, meaning the governing body could sanction it as an eliminator for Bivol’s crown.
Fanlong Meng
Fanlong Meng could be another enticing option and would seem a viable opponent before closing on a world title opportunity.
Unbeaten Meng (16-0, 10 KOs) was set to face Beterbiev prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Adam Deines stepped in to face the Russian in March, stopped in 10 rounds.
The 33-year-old, southpaw has vast amateur experience, having competed for China at the 2012 Olympics and has a notable win in the professionals over Frank Buglioni.
Meng, who is ranked #1 with the IBF could bide his time for a shot at Beterbiev, who could be set for a unification with Joe Smith Jr or otherwise could be tempted by the right money to face the Brit, who is rated at #3, in a final eliminator.
Comment below who you’d like to see Buatsi face next.
