EXCLUSIVE: Joshua Buatsi makes confident vow as star targets Callum Smith rematch
Buatsi returns to the ring this evening against Zach Parker but the former WBO interim champion is targeting a future rematch with rival Smith
Joshua Buatsi would love his shot at redemption after being handed his first career defeat by Callum Smith.
The 32-year-old will return to the ring this evening, eight months after his crushing loss to Smith. The pair went head-to-head in Riyadh and produced a Fight of the Year candidate. After the two stars traded leather for 12 gruelling rounds, Buatsi just fell short.
Not only that, but the Ghana-born Londoner saw his WBO interim light-heavyweight title snatched away from him. Boxing is a very unforgiving sport, and fans often cast aside most fighters who lose their first-ever fight in favour of supporting an upcoming prospect. However, Buatsi does not find himself in that situation, after the light-heavyweight star's stock rose drastically despite the agonising defeat.
The boxing fraternity praised the 32-year-old for the heart and grit he displayed back in February. Buatsi now has the chance to climb back up the light-heavyweight ladder ahead of his return against Zach Parker in a mouthwatering domestic dust-up in Manchester.
Buatsi has taken some time to go back to the drawing board and start again. Having entered fight week in a rather unusual position - having a loss next to his record - the boxing star has made a rather confident vow and admits he does not want to experience coming away from a fight in defeat again.
"Losing to Smith was not a nice feeling at all. It is not a feeling I would like to experience again," he exclusively told All Out Fighting. Mentally, though, nothing has changed for Buatsi. "The drive and the discipline and the will and the hunger has been as it should be. I cannot say it has altered in terms of being less. If anything, it’s more."
Had Buatsi won back in February, he would have been on the cusp of a shot at the world title. Now, he has to start from scratch. Despite refusing to look past Parker this evening, the top light-heavyweight contender admits he would have taken the immediate rematch with Smith and is very eager to renew hostilities down the line.
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Saturday night marks a new career move for Buatsi after the 32-year-old penned a lucrative deal with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. The Olympic bronze medalist is excited by the Queensberry project and was eager to sign on the dotted line after Warren had promised him an eventual title shot.
But first, though, Buatsi must first get through Parker. The pair have a bit of history having fought as amateurs over a decade ago. Both men are two very different fighters now, but the Ghana-born star has promised to 'come out on top,' but is not taking anything for granted. "(I'm expecting) a competitive fight. Again, someone that is seeing this as an opportunity to come in and win and to propel their career. The same way… I am aware that this is a fight I must need to keep my career going on. I am expecting a good opponent as I know he is."
Given his Ghanaian roots, Buatsi is no stranger when it comes to giving back to local communities. With two big shows set for Ghana and Nigeria towards the back end of the year, boxing in Africa is starting to get the recognition it deserves. While the December events may be unrealistic for Butasi to be a part of, he dreams of one day competing on an African card.
"It would be a big thing for the people in that part of the world to see me fight," he explained. "Whenever I am in that part of the world, I interact with them physically to let them know I am as normal as you are, I am not just a guy you see on YouTube or on Google. So, to actually fight amongst them in real life, it would be an amazing experience and I am very happy that part of the world is getting the exposure that it deserves."
What time is Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker?
Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker will clash later this evening in Manchester. The undercard is anticipated to commence at approximately 6pm UK time (1pm ET / 10am PT / 12pm CT). For the headline encounter, Parker will probably make his ring walk first at 10pm UK time (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT) with Buatsi expected to follow straight afterwards.
The entire spectacle will be broadcast live on DAZN. This popular streaming service can be accessed as an additional subscription on television sets. It's also available for live streaming via the official website or through the downloadable application. A DAZN membership costs £119.99 annually or £14.99 monthly, alternatively £24.99 on a flexible arrangement that permits cancellation at any time.
