Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith: Who Wins?

How We Arrived To Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith

While Smith has moved up weight class, Buatsi switched promoters from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom to Ben Shalom’s Boxxer. The Olympic Bronze medalist joined Hearn’s stable as a debutant alongside the Olympic class of 2016, which included Josh Kelly and Lawrence Okolie. The promotional switch resulted in some inactivity following a reasonably close contest with countryman Craig Richards on May 6, 2022.

He would not return to action until his Boxxer debut in a less than spectacular routine victory over the little-known Pole Pawel Stepien nearly a year later in Birmingham. However, dominant displays over Dan Azeez and Willy Hutchinson produced an impressive 2024 where both opponents were knocked down multiple times on the way to points victories. God only knows how his latest fight with Hutchinson was scored a split decision after flooring his adversary twice and was also dictated a point.

Smith had almost fallen completely off the radar while waiting for his chance to challenge Beterbiev for the unified light heavyweight championship, which was only his third contest at 175 pounds. Sitting ringside in Quebec City, Smith offered very little competition against the Russian knockout artist, capitulating in the seventh round.

Prior to his first stoppage loss, Smith had not seen the ring for more than 16 months. Frenchman Mathieu Bauderlique and Dominican Gilbert Castillo, which both happened 11 months apart, were both far from the elite level of Beterbiev. A comeback contest against the little-known Carlos Galvan leaves Smith without a high-level victory for over five years. Yet the unanimous decision victory over John Ryder in 2019 was largely regarded as a robbery. Smith’s form against high-level opposition is currently in the bin.

Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith Prediction 

On the face of this fight, you could be forgiven for thinking Smith’s experience and previous world title status at 168 pounds has him as the favourite. The bookies think the same with Smith as the 9/5 favourite. However, Buatsi has been in better form for over half a decade, and his level of opposition has gradually improved. Smith has jumped between little-known opponents and two of the most elite fighters on the planet.

I don’t think it bodes well heading into a fight with an undefeated fighter who looks like he’s coming into his prime. It’s a big risk for both men, but a loss for Smith could spell retirement at just 34 years old. Buatsi has time to rebuild no matter the outcome. Buatsi wins on points, in my opinion, and will be ready to move into the next level of his career. Smith likely retires, having openly discussed this option following his lone career stoppage defeat to Beterbiev.