Buatsi Vs. Smith: Weigh-in, Expert Opinions, And What’s At Stake

Callum Smith weighed in at 174 lbs, and WBO interim light heavyweight champion Joshua Buatsi came in at 175 lbs on Friday at their weigh-in for their 12-round contest this Saturday night in Riyadh. The winner of this fight will be one of the options to challenge the winner of the main event clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Weigh-in Results:

– Joshua Buatsi: 175
– Callum Smith: 174

One thing that Smith (30-2, 22 KOs) has going in his favor is that Buatsi (19-0, 13 KOs) is coming off a war with Willy Hutchinson on September 21st. He was hurt in that fight by Hutchinson and took a lot of shots en route to winning a grueling 12-round split decision in the toughest fight of his career.

Callum hits a lot harder than Hutchinson, and he’s got the power to finish what Hutchinson started if he can land his punches. Given how aggressive Buatisi is, Smith won’t find it hard-hitting him. He’s all offensive and no defense.

Title Implications

“There are so many variables where this fight can be won and lost. Is Callum Smith too experienced, too seasoned? Is this the night that Joshua Buatsi is going to show us what he’s all about?” said Darren Barker to DAZN Boxing about the Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith fight on Saturday. “Some us the promise. This one is a cracker and not to be missed.

“There’s so much on the line as well. The winner could be in line to face the winner of the main event [Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2] as well. So, it’s not just British bragging rights. We’re talking world title implications for both. It should be an incredible fight,” said Ade Oladipo.

“Tune in tomorrow night, and you’ll see,” said Callum Smith when asked to comment on the belief by some that this is the passing of the torch. “He’s a good fighter, but I feel that I’m better, and I get a chance to show that. Most definitely,” said Smith when asked if he’d be at his best on Saturday night.

Smith, 34, will probably have to take some big shots from Buatsi to have a chance of knocking him out. The odds of Smith lasting the full 12 rounds against a puncher like this are slim because Buatsi hits hard, and he’ll be making it a war.

“Just be me, turn up, and perform the way I know I can, and I know I’m good enough to get the job done,” said Callum.