Callum Smith Wins Interim WBO Title Against Joshua Buatsi

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Callum Smith Claims Interim WBO Light Heavyweight Title with Dominant Victory Over Joshua Buatsire

London, England – Callum Smith emphatically reclaimed his place among the light heavyweight elite, securing a commanding unanimous decision victory over Joshua Buatsire to claim the interim WBO light heavyweight title on Saturday night at [The O2 Arena]. The fight, a clash of styles and contrasting unbeaten records, saw Smith utilize his superior reach and boxing acumen to outpoint Buatsire over twelve rounds, leaving no doubt in the judges' scorecards. The official scores were [117-111, 116-112, and 115-113].

Smith, the former WBO super-middleweight champion, displayed a masterful performance, showcasing his improved power and adaptability in the light heavyweight division. While Buatsire, known for his aggressive pressure fighting, attempted to close the distance and unleash his power shots, Smith's superior footwork and precise counter-punching consistently thwarted his advances. Smith's jab was particularly effective, maintaining distance and controlling the rhythm of the fight. He landed clean, stinging combinations throughout, leaving Buatsire visibly frustrated in the later rounds.

The fight started cautiously, with both fighters feeling each other out in the early rounds. Buatsire’s attempts to pressure were met with Smith’s skillful evasive maneuvers and counter-punches. However, as the fight progressed, Smith increasingly dictated the pace, landing more telling blows and controlling the center of the ring. Buatsire showed moments of aggression, particularly in the middle rounds, landing some powerful shots, but he was unable to consistently break through Smith’s defense or disrupt his rhythm.

The final rounds saw Smith cruising to victory, expertly managing his energy and continuing to land effective combinations. Buatsire, visibly tiring, struggled to generate the same power and pressure that characterized his earlier rounds. The judges' scores reflected the overall dominance of Smith's performance, awarding him a clear and deserved victory.

The win represents a significant resurgence for Smith, who had previously suffered a defeat to [Canelo Alvarez] in his bid for a super-middleweight world title. His move up to light heavyweight has proven successful, and this interim title victory firmly positions him as a leading contender for the full WBO light heavyweight title currently held by [Dmitry Bivol].

Post-fight, Smith called out Bivol, expressing his desire for a unification bout. He stated, "[Quote from Smith about wanting to fight Bivol]," indicating his confidence and ambition to claim the undisputed light heavyweight championship.

Buatsire, despite the loss, displayed admirable heart and determination throughout the fight. He acknowledged Smith's superior skills and congratulated him on his victory. While disappointed, Buatsire confirmed his intention to continue his career and pursue further opportunities in the light heavyweight division.

The fight itself proved to be a compelling spectacle, showcasing the skill and talent of both fighters. Smith's victory however, underlines his status as a serious force in the light heavyweight division and sets the stage for an exciting potential showdown against Bivol for the undisputed title. The win was a testament to Smith's dedication, skill and strategic boxing intelligence. The future looks bright for Callum Smith in the 175-pound division.