It appears that the sky really is the limit for Joshua Buatsi. After a slow start to his professional career, the Croydon fighter has burst into life during the last 12 months as he closes in on a world title fight.
With plenty of options waiting for him in the deep waters of the 175lbs division, DAZN takes a look at who could be next for one of British boxing's brightest stars.
Dimitry Bivol
Could Joshua Buatsi’s first world title crack come against the brilliant Russian, Dmitriy Bivol? It’s a fight that has been frequently mentioned by Eddie Hearn, the promoter of both fighters, so agreeing a deal should be easy work.
Is a win over Ricards Bolotniks the right fight to prepare Buatsi for someone on the level of Bivol? The WBA light-heavyweight champions looked destructive earlier in his career but flaws are beginning to emerge in the unbeaten fighter. Is Buatsi the man to exploit him?
Callum Johnson
If the world isn’t ready for Joshua Buatsi at this moment, then how about a domestic showdown with Callum Johnson? The pair were close to agreeing a fight in 2020 but talks stalled leading Johnson to pursuit an alternative career path under the guidance of Frank Warren.
Both fighters have kept winning and each is focused on a world title shot in the near future. Would that desire to become a world champion prevent a potential domestic classic taking place or is this a fight best left to simmer when there is a huge reward on the line for both men?
Lyndon Arthur
After proving himself as arguably Britain’s best light-heavyweight last year when outpointing Anthony Yarde, could Lyndon Arthur be on the radar of Joshua Buatsi? Skilful and patient, Arthur presents a style which stands out at 175lbs due to the division being stacked with heavy punchers. Would Buatsi fancy the challenge of solving that problem?
The Manchester fighter has taken huge strides in the last 12 months and he too owns world tile aspirations. Would a fight with Buatsi provide greater appeal if the terms were lucrative? Whatever the preference of either fighter, this could be a fight that would settle plenty of domestic bragging rights.
Anthony Yarde
Once on the way to the top, Anthony Yarde’s mission to rule the world has been derailed in recent years due to losses suffered against Sergey Kovalev and Lyndon Arthur. Despite the setbacks, Yarde is still very much a live contender and a fight with Buatsi could be a hot ticket in London where both fighters come from.
Is this a fight that Buatsi can gain much from? Yarde has fallen down the pecking order domestically so Buatsi could certainly aim higher but the prospect of emerging victorious in a local derby that would do good business may appeal to the 2016 Olympian.
Joe Smith Jr.
Joe Smith’s WBO belt has a large target at the moment and Joshua Buatsi is likely to be one of the fighters aiming for it. The New York puncher appears to be heading into an Empire State clash with Daniel Jacobs in the early part of 2022 but could Buatsi be monitoring that situation.
Despite his world title status, Smith has been found wanting at the top level in defeats to Dmitriy Bivol and Sullivan Barrera. Has he improved enough to ruin the progress of Buatsi? It’s a fight with plenty of intrigue and also one that brings the Brit his world belt opportunity.