By: Sean Crose
At 34 years of age, Callum Smith had something to prove on Saturday when he stepped into the ring in Saudi Arabia to face the undefeated 19-0 Joshua Batista. Although clearly respected in the fight game, the 30-2 former titlist was set on proving he was still at the higher end of the sport. In order to do that, however, he’d have to get past the impressive Buatsi. The match, scheduled for 12, was for Buatsi’s WBC Interim World Light Heavyweight title.
The first was a high octane affair. Neither man was eager to give an inch in the second as both fighters position themselves for power shots. Buatsi worked hard in the third, while Smith tossed off heavy leather. Indeed, Smith looked to be rattled by a body shot. The fighters continued to slug away at each other in the fourth. It was a very close affair. Buatsi was clearly hurt by a Smith body shot in the fifth. Buatsi looked like he was close to finished in the sixth…but he hurt Smith with a hard shot at the round’s end. Both fighters were a bit less energetic in the seventh – but who could blame them?
The pace wasn’t rapid in the eighth, but the combatants kept firing power shots at one another. They continued to fire away in the ninth. Buatsi hit well, but Smith looked to have a bit more power. With that being said, Smith appeared to be hurt by a body shot in the tenth. Buatsi may well have had his best round in the eleventh. Heading into the final round, the fight may well have been too close to call. The bout ended in thunderous fashion. Buatsi fought hard. Smith landed hard.
The judges ended up awarding the win to Smith by scores of 119-110, 115-113, and 116-112.
A fantastic fight.
*Images: DAZN