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 brutal domestic clash under Saudi lights, Callum Smith (34) outworked Joshua Buatsi (31) to claim a unanimous decision victory (117-111, 116-112, 115-113) in their February 22 light heavyweight showdown. The DAZN-broadcasted Riyadh Season headliner saw both Brits combine for 1,439 total punches thrown, with Smith’s relentless late-round assault ultimately swaying the judges in this career-defining victory.
Fight Recap
Round-by-Round Turning Points
- Rounds 1-3: Buatsi’s precision shone (45.9% accuracy in R3) vs Smith’s volume (55 thrown in R2)
- Round 4: Fight’s most explosive frame - combined 49 power punches landed (Buatsi 21, Smith 24)
- Round 6: Smith’s offensive peak (30/71 landed, 43.3% power accuracy)
- Championship Rounds (10-12): Smith landed 77 punches to Buatsi’s 65, sealing victory with 31/76 in R12
Critical Statistics
| Metric | Buatsi | Smith |
|---|
| Total Punches Landed | 247 | 256 |
| Power Punch Accuracy | 44.3% | 42.7% |
| Jabs Landed | 110 | 44 |
| Body Shots Landed | 93 | 107 |
Callum Smith
✅ Success Formula:
- Crushing body attack (107 landed vs Buatsi’s 93)
- Championship round dominance (77 landed in R10-12)
- 50% power accuracy in pivotal R4
❌ Vulnerabilities Exposed:
- Defensive lapses early (absorbed 47.6% power punches in R1)
- 22.2% jab accuracy through 12 rounds
Joshua Buatsi
✅ Bright Spots:
- Early precision (59% total accuracy in R6)
- Jab mastery (110 landed at 37.6% accuracy)
- Hurt Smith multiple times with left hooks
❌ Critical Failures:
- Faded late (23.1% accuracy in R12)
- Failed to counter Smith’s body assault
- 247 landed punches - career high in a loss
Key Takeaways
Career Implications
- Smith: Positions for Bivol/Beterbiev title shot. Becomes 2x world title challenger at 175lbs
- Buatsi: Third career loss raises questions about championship ceiling
Fan & Analyst Reactions
- #BodySnatcherSmith trends for 107 body connects
- UK media praises “best domestic clash since Froch-Groves”
- 63% of ESPN poll respondents agreed with decision
Controversy Check
- 117-111 scorecard criticized as too wide by BoxNation panel
- No knockdowns or referee interventions in clean fight
Official Result
Winner: Callum Smith via UD (117-111, 116-112, 115-113)
Post-Fight Reactions:
- Smith: “I knew those body shots would break him down - this is Liverpool vs London settled!”
- Buatsi: “Credit to Callum’s engine. We’ll analyze why I faded late.”
Conclusion
This grueling 12-round war showcased British boxing at its brutal best. Smith’s veteran savvy and bodywork triumphed over Buatsi’s early precision in a fight that lived up to its domestic rivalry hype. While Smith eyes overdue light heavyweight gold, Buatsi must regroup from this punishing defeat. With both warriors leaving pieces of themselves in Riyadh, this clash may ultimately be remembered as the night Smith resurrected his championship credentials through sheer relentless will.
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