Callum Smith is preparing for one of the most pivotal fights of his career as he takes on unbeaten Joshua Buatsi on the undercard of the highly anticipated rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
With both men eyeing a world title shot, this all-British clash is expected to be a major test for both fighters, but Callum Smith’s trainer has revealed why he is the man to beat Buatsi.
Smith, a former WBA super-middleweight champion, boasts a professional record of 30-2 and has already competed at the highest level, having shared the ring with elite opponents such as Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev.
Though fighting at a higher level than Buatsi, Smith has lost when he’s stepped up to elite competition, and was bested by both Canelo and Beterbiev.
Buatsi, on the other hand, remains undefeated at 19-0 and has steadily built his reputation as a top contender in the light-heavyweight division, though has not fought the level of opposition as his Scouse counterpart.
With victories over fighters like Craig Richards and Dan Azeez, the Olympic bronze medallist is eager to prove he belongs at world-level, and a win over Smith would do just that.
McGirt Backs Smith for Big Performance
Despite his setback against Beterbiev, Callum Smith’s trainer Buddy McGirt is extremely confident that his fighter will deliver on fight night.
Speaking to DAZN, McGirt explained why he believes Smith is more dangerous at light-heavyweight than many realize.
“We’ve had incredible sparring and his whole mental well-being is so much better than what it was for the Beterbiev fight. I know he’s gonna turn it on.”
“Mentally and physically, believe me, his vibe is so much different for this fight. It’s like when I first met him and started training him.”
McGirt has trained Smith since his loss to Canelo, and has seen him work his way to the top of the light-heayweight division, with only the winner of Beterbiev/Bivol standing in his way for the title.
Elsewhere on the card, Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield’s fight was rocked by an allegation of poisoning, and Joseph Parker aims for his second world title against Daniel Dubois.
Joe Joyce, the only man to beat Parker and Dubois, has made his prediction for who wins their clash.
Smith vs. Buatsi: Who Has the Tougher Task?
While Smith has been full of respect for Buatsi, he has suggested that former WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves—whom he defeated in 2018—was a tougher opponent than Buatsi will be.
Buatsi, however, believes he is the one stepping up to the toughest challenge of his career.
Smith’s belief that Buatsi is not his toughest test could prove to be his downfall, though Buatsi has been criticized over his career for his hot and cold performances.
Buatsi won against Willy Hutchinson in his last outing, while Smith has not fought since his loss to Beterbiev.
With both men confident in their abilities and looking to prove a point, this fight has all the makings of a classic.
The winner will likely be in line for a shot at the world titles, while the loser will have to rebuild in an increasingly competitive light-heavyweight division.
