Joshua Buatsi v Craig Richards: A huge domestic bout on the cards

We’ve got another exciting weekend of boxing in store with an all-English fight in the light heavyweight division between Joshua Buatsi and Craig Richards. With both fighters having world title ambitions, this is a monumental fight for British boxing.

Here’s our preview.

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British fighters ready for battle

The London rivals Joshua Buatsi and Craig Richards previously met in the amateur ranks, with Buatsi emerging victorious on that occasion. Both fighters have world title ambitions and had intentions to meet Canelo Alvarez later in the year. But after the Mexican’s shock defeat to Dmitry Bivol, plans for the 175lbs division are somewhat up in the air.

The undefeated Buatsi goes into the fight as the overwhelming favourite with odds of 2/9, although Richards will likely provide the toughest challenge of his professional career so far. Buatsi has won by knockout in 13 of his 15 fights and has been dubbed by some as Great Britain’s next boxing superstar with world-beater potential. However, he is yet to face anyone of Richards’ calibre, and he himself admitted that this will be the biggest fight of his career.

A talented attacking boxer who can KO with a combination or a single shot, Buatsi has shown his talent since his Olympic Bronze medal win and is priced at 4/6 to beat Richards by KO. However, his defence may prove to be his main weakness, as he can be too upright and stationary, leaving him exposed to better fighters. He was hurt by Marko Calic in such a manner and this will no doubt be something that Richards looks to exploit come fight night. Richards has odds of 11/1 to win by knockout.

Richards has previously been a world title challenger against Dmitry Bivol. He lost this fight by unanimous decision but fought admirably, and since Bivol defeated Alvarez, this is now a result that looks a little better on his record. Although Richards goes into the fight as the underdog at odds of 3/1, it would be a mistake to write him off from the start. In his bout with Bivol he proved that he could go the distance with the very best, and like Buatsi he possesses knockout power.

Although many are not giving Richards a chance against Buatsi, he has a quiet confidence about him going into this fight. Although Buatsi may believe he is above Richards’ level, this is one of the most anticipated domestic fights of 2022, and Buatsi’s in-experience against elite fighters and his defensive weakness may result in a surprise victory for Richards.

With two exciting rivals set to face-off for a potential world-title challenge, this weekend will be a treat for British boxing fans.

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