Callum Smith Victorious After 12 Rounds Against Joshua Buatsi

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Smith Edges Buatsire in Grueling 12-Round Decision

Liverpool, England – Callum Smith secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Joshua Buatsire in a thrilling 12-round light heavyweight clash at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday night. The fight, a captivating back-and-forth affair, saw both fighters display resilience and power, but it was Smith's superior ring generalship and consistent pressure that ultimately earned him the judges' nod.

The judges' scorecards reflected the fight's closeness, with one judge scoring it 116-112, another 115-113, and the final card at 117-111, all in favor of Smith. While Buatsire landed some powerful shots throughout the contest, Smith’s consistently higher work rate and ability to control the center of the ring proved decisive. The fight lacked a definitive knockout, leaving the outcome in the hands of the judges, prompting immediate debate among boxing pundits and fans alike.

Buatsire, known for his aggressive style and knockout power, came out strong in the early rounds, landing several clean blows. However, Smith, the former WBA super-middleweight champion, gradually took control of the fight’s tempo, utilizing his superior reach and jab to keep Buatsire at bay while landing consistent combinations. The Liverpudlian's defensive acumen also shone through, mitigating the impact of Buatsire's power punches.

The middle rounds saw a fascinating exchange of power punches and tactical maneuvering. Buatsire, never one to back down, continued to pressure Smith, attempting to land the fight-ending blow. But Smith's experience and defensive skills proved invaluable, allowing him to absorb the punishment and retaliate with stinging counters. The final rounds showcased both fighters' incredible stamina and determination, with neither willing to give an inch.

The victory propels Smith back into contention for a world title shot at light heavyweight. His performance against Buatsire, a highly-ranked contender, showcased his adaptability to the 175-pound division and demonstrated the enduring skills that made him a champion at super-middleweight. Before the fight, Smith had spoken of his ambition to regain world championship status, and this victory puts him firmly on that path. While Buatsire's defeat is undoubtedly a setback, his performance showcased his undeniable power and resilience, positioning him for potential future title opportunities.

Post-fight interviews saw both fighters express respect for their opponent's performance. Smith acknowledged the difficulty of the contest, praising Buatsire's power and toughness. Buatsire, although disappointed, conceded the victory to Smith, acknowledging his opponent's superior strategy and ringcraft. The fight leaves both fighters with much to build on, setting the stage for exciting future matchups in the light heavyweight division. The atmosphere in Liverpool was electric throughout, testament to the quality of the boxing on display. The clash solidified both fighters' reputations as top-tier contenders in the light heavyweight division. The long and grueling fight ended with a deserved victory for the more experienced and calculated Callum Smith, a testament to his resilience and boxing IQ.