Clash of British Bombers: Buatsi and Smith Set to Light Up Riyadh

Event: The Last Crescendo: Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2
Date: Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (12 rounds)
Broadcaster: DAZN

In a highly anticipated all-British showdown, undefeated Joshua Buatsi and hard-hitting veteran Callum Smith will collide on the undercard of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch in Riyadh. With both fighters vying for supremacy in the light heavyweight division, this bout promises fireworks and career-defining implications. No belts are on the line, but pride, momentum, and a potential world title shot are at stake.

---

Fighter Profiles

Joshua Buatsi 🇬🇧

• Record: 19-0-0 (13 KOs)
• Age: 31 | Height: 6’2” | Reach: 74.4”
• Style: Technical boxer-puncher with explosive power.
• Strengths: Precision punching, footwork, and disciplined defense.
• Weaknesses: Occasionally conservative; relies heavily on counterpunching.
• Recent Form: 5 consecutive wins, including a split decision (SD 12) in his last fight.

Summary: Buatsi combines Olympic pedigree with knockout power. His patient, calculated approach has drawn criticism for lacking urgency, but his ability to dominate rounds with sharp jabs and body shots makes him a consistent threat.

---

Callum Smith 🇬🇧

• Record: 30-2-0 (22 KOs)
• Age: 34 | Height: 6’3” | Reach: 78”
• Style: Aggressive power puncher with a punishing body attack.
• Strengths: Devastating left hook, physical durability, and veteran savvy.
• Weaknesses: Susceptible to counterpunchers; stamina questions in later rounds.
• Recent Form: Mixed results: a TKO 5 win in his last fight but two losses since 2023.

Summary: Smith’s height and reach advantage could prove critical. Known for his fight-ending power, he’s a dangerous finisher but has shown vulnerability against elite movers (e.g., his TKO 7 loss in 2024).

---

Fight Breakdown

Key Matchups

• Power vs. Precision: Smith’s heavy hands vs. Buatsi’s surgical accuracy.
• Reach Battle: Smith’s 78” reach could keep Buatsi at bay—if he controls distance.
• Chin Check: Can Buatsi withstand Smith’s hooks? Can Smith handle Buatsi’s counters?

Advantages

• Buatsi: Faster hands, cleaner technique, and superior stamina.
• Smith: Physical size, knockout instinct, and experience in championship fights.

Storylines

• UK Supremacy: A win here solidifies the victor as Britain’s top light heavyweight.
• Redemption Arc: Smith aims to prove he’s still elite; Buatsi seeks a signature win.

---

Prediction

Outcome: Buatsi by late stoppage (TKO 10).
Reasoning: Smith’s recent durability concerns and Buatsi’s ability to chip away with body shots will wear down the older fighter. Expect Buatsi to capitalize on Smith’s slowing pace in the championship rounds.

---

Conclusion

This battle of British powerhouses is a can’t-miss clash of styles. Buatsi’s technical brilliance vs. Smith’s raw aggression guarantees drama. With both men needing a statement win, Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena will witness a fight that could redefine the light heavyweight landscape. Tune in to DAZN—this one won’t go the distance.

---

📊 Want to dive deeper into the action? Subscribe to our Boxing Data API to access full round-by-round punch stats, detailed analytics, and historical fight data.