Joe Gallagher will be a keen observer when Joshua Buatsi faces Ricards Bolotniks on Saturday night. The final headline act of this year’s Fight Camp, live and exclusive on DAZN, represents the biggest test of Buatsi’s career since turning professional four years ago.
The 2016 Olympian is a central character in the interesting plot that’s emerging within the 175-pound domestic scene that’s threatening to unleash a number of exciting clashes. Along with Lyndon Arthur, Anthony Yarde, and Callum Johnson, Buatsi has massive aspirations to compete at world level and Gallagher is fairly satisfied with what he’s seen so far from the Croydon fighter.
“He’s done what he’s had to do without much hassle,” said Gallagher, the trainer of Johnson, when speaking to DAZN. “He’s a solid fighter who does the basics well and he’s going to improve now he has Virgil Hunter with him. I’m interested to see what happens when he has a big test because it’s largely been stacked in his favor so far but I definitely think he’s a good fighter.
“One thing I will say about Josh is that I do think he should be a bit further ahead in his career. I know there was quite a gap after the Olympics because he was getting on with some studying before he turned pro but you’d expect him to be further along now we’re approaching the next cycle of Olympians turning over. That’s usually the pattern.”
Despite his personal assessment of Buatsi being largely favourable, Gallagher refuses to give him a chance against Johnson. The heavy-handed Lincoln man has demonstrated his power in performances against Frank Buglioni Seanie Monaghan, and even in a losing effort against Artur Beterbiev, and Gallagher believes his man’s best attribute would be on display against Buatsi.
“100% 'CJ' beats Buatsi. I’ve got no worries about that. I thought we were close to making the fight last year but I don’t think the offer to 'CJ' was fair and that’s why we moved on. We couldn’t wait for Joshua Buatsi because the fight might not happen. I’d like 'CJ' to move onto world level now, possibly against Joe Smith, but back to Buatsi, I’m telling you that Callum knocks him out.”