Carl Froch weighs in on the potential light-heavyweight domestic showdown between Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi
Both Yarde and Buatsi were victorious in their respective bouts over the last two weeks, with Yarde stopping Marko Nikolic in three rounds, and Buatsi shining in a thriller against London rival Dan Azeez, picking up a unanimous decision.
Buatsi was present for Yarde’s victory that came a week after his, and entered his 175lbs rival’s post-fight interview, where the pair both agreed that they wanted to fight each other next.
Anthony Yarde. Joshua Buatsi. SIGN US UP 😍@mranthonyyarde 🤝 @boxingbuatsi
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Speaking on TalkSport Boxing, Froch weighed in with his prediction on the potential fight, saying Yarde would start as the favourite, despite Buatsi’s amateur pedigree which saw him capture a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
“It’s a really good fight, it’s a close one. It’s just how good is Buatsi? He looked good against Dan Azeez, but there’s levels.
“If that fight is made next, I’d have to make, just off what I’ve seen and what I know about the game, which is a little bit, I’d have to make Yarde the slight favourite.
“The amateur credentials [Buatsi] are there, but not all top amateurs make good pro’s.
“So, Yarde and his experience, and the way he believes in himself, and stylistically he’s awkward.
“But, Buatsi could go in there, start catching him, start backing him up, start getting to him and force a stoppage, but I think the smart money, and the very slight favourite for me is on Anthony Yarde, but what a great fight.”
Both Queensberry Promotions and BOXXER have expressed a desire to make this fight, and we could potentially see a summer blockbuster as both men look to get into world title contention.