Joshua Buatsi will face World Title challenger Craig Richards in a massive clash in the all-London light-heavyweight division on Saturday, May 21, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).
Croydon’s Buatsi (15-0, 13 KOs) scored his tenth knockout goal as he blocked Latvia’s Ricards Bolotniks in the eleventh round of their WBA World Light-Heavy Qualifier in week two. third and final matchroom Fight Camp in August.
The 29-year-old had to face former Russian world champion Maxim Vlasov after Joseph Parker’s rematch with Derek Chisora at the AO Arena in Manchester in December before suffering a hand injury.
Crystal Palace’s former British light-heavyweight champion Richards (17-2-1, 10 KOs) put on a spirited display as he pushed WBA World Light-Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol in First World Championship in May 2021.
Last October, ‘Spider-Man’ returned victorious at The O2 with a match between Cameron vs. McGee, impressively defeated Poland’s Marek Matyja in six rounds to claim the vacant WBA International Light-Heavyweight title.
“Two London boys come together, it’s going to be a great night,” Buatsi said. “The Light-Heavyweight segment in this country is thriving, and I’m glad we were able to get one of the biggest fights done. Crowds will come to enjoy. I’m coming to win and nothing else; I’m sure Richards is doing the same. He’s had a close fight with Bivol, so I’ll want to get things straight, but I have other plans. Win well and then win the World Championship by any means necessary. ”
Richards said: “We are two top fighters from the UK. “This is one of the biggest domestic London clashes in a long time. This is a fascinating fight for both us and one of the fans will enjoy. Buatsi has his plan, and I’m sure he’ll prepare well, but no one will stop me from fulfilling my mission to be world champion! He’s a solid opponent and will come to win, but I’m confident and believe I have the tools to get the job done. I’ve proven myself to be world-class, and I’m eager to prove that’s where I belong.”
“A very good result, and thanks to Joshua and Craig for participating in this match; said Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Sport. “Two domestic light-heavyweight contenders on the brink of a World title decided to line it up instead of waiting in line, giving us a great battle in London that can only be It’s a horror movie.”
“Who doesn’t love working in the country? And this definitely fits that description, what a great fight this fight is going to be,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “With an electronic light-heavyweight arena in the UK, Joshua Buatsi will face a major test on May 21 against world champion title challenger Craig Richards. From start to finish, this will be an all-out action, all direct and Exclusively on DAZN. ”
* The location will be confirmed tomorrow during the launch press conference.
