According to BOXXER promoter, Ben Shalom, Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde could face each other next
This is an all-British light heavyweight match-up between top light-heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde that has been brewing for many years.
Both men are talented fighters with Yarde having more experience at the top level, and Buatsi having a more solid amateur background that saw him medal in the Olympics.
In the pro ranks, JB has moved steadily and most recently won against fellow Brit Dan Azeez in February with a thrilling 12-round points decision against his old sparring partner.
Yarde has stepped up to the world level twice against fearsome Russians Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. He came unstuck both times but gave a good account of himself against two solid champions.
In a clip shared on X by his promotional outfit BOXXER, Shalom has now spoken up about the chances of the two coming together soon.
“When we signed Josh, the key was activity. He was devastated when the Azeez fight got delayed. He put on a great performance to sell out the Wembley Arena. That was a big milestone in his career and now it’s about keeping him active in the big fights.
“Both fighters want that fight. This is the moment for a fight that has been talked about for four or five years. We’re in touch with Queensbury and I expect to see that fight happen next. It’s exciting for boxing and both lads and the country.
“What a fight and fingers crossed it is next.”
It is indeed a mouth-watering clash that would see Buatsi defending the belts he won from Azeez as well as his status as the WBA mandatory to the winner of Dimitri Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev in June.