Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith: Full Breakdown and Fight Details

On February 22, at the  Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an intriguing all-British light heavyweight clash will take place with Joshua Buatsi (19-0, 13 KOs) facing Callum Smith (30-2, 22 KOs). Buatsi vs Smith is a part of the loaded Riyadh Season card headlined by Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2. The entire fight card will be available through various PPV platforms. Big Fight Weekend is bringing you a breakdown of this interim WBO light-heavyweight title fight.

Buatsi vs Smith: Complete Fight Breakdown

Buatsi and Smith Target World Title Shot

Looking at the odds for Buatsi vs Smith, most have the Ghananian-born fighter as the favourite.

Buatsi has endured frustrating periods during his career, fighting only once in 2022 and 2023. He remains undefeated and produced a career-best performance last time out, defeating Willy Hutchinson by a split decision -. The performance was more conclusive than the scorecards suggested.

Callum Smith was last seen knocking out Carlos Galvan, his first fight since losing to light heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev.

Read More: Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2: Full Breakdown and Fight Details

Despite being unbeaten, it feels like there is more to come from Buatsi. His last fight showcased his impressive inside work, as he landed uppercuts and worked the body of Hutchinson to great effect. He rarely gives his opponents any time off in the ring and looks to keep the pressure up and the distance close. On the rare occasions, he does get caught, he moves well and stays out of danger to avoid any follow up attacks.

The Liverpudlian fighter carries plenty of power and is thoughtful with his work. He must establish his jab early in this fight to keep Buatsi at bay and stop him from getting inside. Smith has explosive power, which Buatsi will have to be wary of.

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This is yet another intriguing clash on this stacked card. Whoever asserts their dominance early will be tough to beat.

Buatsi vs Smith Full Fight Card

• Main event: Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring belts
• Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – for IBF heavyweight title
• Shakur Stevenson vs Flloyd Schofield – for WBC lightweight title
• Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for WBC middleweight title
• Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for interim WBC super-welterweight title
• Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for interim WBC heavyweight title
• Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for interim WBO light-heavyweight title
• Mohammed Alakel vs TBA
• Ziyad Almaayouf vs TBA

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Buatsi vs Smith, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.