Buatsi Dominates Smith In "Absolute War," Impact On Joshua's Plans

Admin

3 min read

Post on Feb 23, 2025

4.2

Share

Buatsi's Dominant Win Over Smith Throws Joshua's Plans into Disarray

London, England – British boxing star Joshua Buatsi delivered a statement performance Saturday night, dismantling Daniel Smith in their eagerly anticipated "Absolute War" clash at the O2 Arena. Buatsi's commanding victory, a fourth-round TKO, not only solidified his position as a top contender in the light heavyweight division but also throws a significant wrench into the plans of fellow Brit, Anthony Joshua.

Buatsi, known for his powerful punching and relentless pressure, controlled the fight from the opening bell. He consistently landed clean, powerful shots, visibly hurting Smith throughout the contest. Smith, despite his game effort, struggled to cope with Buatsi's superior speed, accuracy, and overall boxing skill. By the fourth round, Smith's corner had seen enough, stopping the contest to prevent further damage. The referee officially declared Buatsi the winner via technical knockout at [2:53 of the fourth round].

The victory marks Buatsi's [17th win] as a professional, maintaining his unbeaten record. [This win improved his knockout percentage significantly]. His performance against Smith was particularly impressive, showcasing significant improvements in his tactical awareness and ring generalship. He demonstrated a maturity and calculated aggression that suggests he's ready for a world title shot. Post-fight, Buatsi called for a high-profile opponent, reaffirming his ambition to challenge for a world title belt.

This dominant performance, however, has far-reaching implications beyond Buatsi's own career trajectory. Anthony Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight world champion, is currently plotting his comeback following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua's team had reportedly been considering several potential opponents for his next fight, with a matchup against Buatsi previously discussed as a possibility, albeit at a higher weight class.

However, Buatsi's convincing victory eliminates that option. A fight against Buatsi, at any weight, would now pose a significant risk for Joshua, who needs a win to rebuild his reputation and propel himself back into title contention. The performance illustrated Buatsi's formidable power and tactical prowess, highlighting the potential danger he presents to even the most experienced fighters. Choosing Buatsi for a comeback fight would be a gamble too great for Joshua's team to take at this juncture of his career.

Now, Joshua's camp will need to re-evaluate their strategic options. Alternative opponents are likely to be considered, with the choice depending on balancing the need for a win against the risk level of the chosen opponent. This leaves Joshua in a more precarious position, requiring a careful assessment of his current skill level and future ambitions.

The Buatsi-Smith fight wasn't just a showcase of Buatsi's talent; it was a pivotal moment in the British boxing landscape. It provided a clear indication of Buatsi's readiness for championship contention while simultaneously complicating Joshua's meticulously planned comeback strategy. The ripple effects of this victory are sure to be felt for months to come. The boxing world will be watching closely to see how Joshua responds to this unexpected development.