CALLUM SMITH still dreams of becoming a two-weight world champion and knows one fight that could bring him closer to that goal.
Last week, promoter Eddie Hearn said he wants a big domestic fight for Mundo in early 2025. And one name that keeps coming up in conversations is 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi.
Smith, 30-2 (22 KOs), returned to winning ways Saturday night with a fifth-round victory against Carlos Galvan, 20-15 (19 KOs). Before the fight against Galvan Boxing news caught up with Smith in Birmingham to get his thoughts on a potential fight against Buatsi, 19-0 (13 KOs).
“For my part, this fight makes sense to me,” he said.
“He’s the interim WBO world champion, so he’s getting me closer to where I want to be. I think I’ve shown throughout my career that I’m willing to fight anybody as long as it gets me closer to where I want to be, and that’s two-weight world champion. Beating Joshua Buatsi gets me closer than beating anyone else, so it makes sense to me.
“If there’s an opportunity to do this fight, I’m all for it. I’m not sure on his side that I’m the best option for him or that he has other options, I’m not so sure.”
After losing to Beterbiev, 21-0 (20 KOs), who beat Dmitry Bivol 23-1 (12 KOs) in October to become the undisputed 175-pound champion, Smith wasn’t sure if he would fight again. will win or not. If he comes back, even after running away, it should be against someone who gets him fired up and gets the juices flowing. B.N asked if Buatsi ticks this box.
“He’s got something that works for me now that he’s the interim WBO world champion, who can potentially be promoted to full champion or not be the next undisputed champion if the time comes,” he said. “He is in a very good position, he has something that will benefit me. It definitely makes sense to me and it definitely gets the juices flowing. It’s an internal fight, he’s a good fighter, someone I look up to and respect, but he’s a fighter I’m sure I’ll beat at the right time. We’ll see what 2025 holds.”
Boatsi’s last appearance was against Willie Hutchinson, who was hit twice in the thigh during the fight at Wembley Stadium in September. Despite a dogged effort from the Scot, he eventually lost to Buatsi by split decision.
“I believe the score sheets were a little tight,” Smith said. “I believe he won a little more convincingly.
“I’ve seen enough of him over the years to know he’s a good fighter. I give him high marks, but he’s a fighter, I’m sure I’ll definitely lose. And I believe that the best version of me can beat anyone in the world and that definitely includes Joshua Buatsi.”
