Joshua Buatsi continued his climb towards the business end of the light-heavyweight division with a stunning fourth-round knockout over France's Daniel Blenda Dos Santos. Buatsi, fighting with renowned trainer, Virgil Hunter in his corner for the first time, was in stunning form as he sent out a warning to the world's leading fighters at 175lbs.
Long identified as one of British boxing's brightest prospects, Buatsi had said all week he would impress against Dos Santos, and he carried those boasts into the ring at Manchester's AO Arena. Dominant from the opening bell, Buatsi found his range as early as the second round as he unleashed a furious assault to floor Dos Santos.
With the Frenchman in survival mode from the moment he was floored, Buatsi had to remain patient to find openings. He stalked Dos Santos with hurtful intent, and at the backend of round four, Buatsi found a brilliant right hand that connected flush on Dos Santos' exposed target.
Dos Santos was already falling off the first shot, but Buatsi landed with another punch before his opponent hit the floor. Victor Loughlin halted the fight immediately as a nervous wait ensued for Dos Santos to return to his feet. Once he did, he was consoled by the victor who's surely now ready to test himself against the world's best light-heavyweights.
For a full recap of what happened on on Joshua Buatsi vs. Daniel Blenda Dos Santos, please read below.