Callum Smith demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess as he triumphed over Joshua Buatsi, winning the WBO interim light heavyweight title at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22, 2025. The match, part of the illustrious Riyadh Season festival, was highly anticipated and lived up to the hype, showcasing both boxers' skills and stamina over the course of 12 grueling rounds.
From the very first round, the atmosphere crackled with intensity as both fighters exchanged blows. Smith, known for his powerful left hooks, focused on Buatsi’s body early on, pushing back the 31-year-old from South London. Buatsi, who entered the ring with an impressive record of 19-0, appeared initially more agile. He effectively used his jab, backing Smith against the ropes, and landed crisp shots, demonstrating sharpness even through the clinches.
Despite taking some heavy hits, Smith displayed remarkable recovery skills. A powerful left hook from Buatsi during the third round briefly put Smith under pressure, but the Liverpudlian recovered to land effective counterattacks, culminating with significant blows at the end of the round.
The cut by Smith's right eye, caused by another left hook from Buatsi, did not deter him. Instead, it seemed to ignite Smith’s fury. He came back strong, particularly dominating the fifth round with effective body punches, which visibly took their toll on Buatsi. By the sixth, Smith was unleashing combinations, nearly securing a knockout as he knocked Buatsi's gumshield out of his mouth.
"Mundo once again knocked out the gumshield of Buatsi, but the Olympic bronze medalist stayed on his feet till the final bell," reported DAZN on the dynamic exchanges between the fighters.
Buatsi, aware of the mounting pressure, entered the second half of the fight needing to change his strategy. Round ten saw Buatsi regroup and increase his activity, landing jabs and right hands with significant effect. This resurgence forced Smith to weather the storm, showcasing his endurance and strategic defense.
Despite Buatsi’s best efforts, Smith finished the twelfth round strong, landing succinct combinations, including another left hook to rock his opponent. The judges awarded Smith the unanimous decision with scores of 119-110, 115-113, and 116-112.
"With victory, Smith now has plenty of options moving forward, but there may be a big demand to see the fight for a second time due to the excitement it contained," DAZN noted post-fight.
This victory places Smith back on the map for title contention after his previous loss to Artur Beterbiev. Observers noted how the fight could serve as momentum for Smith, potentially setting up bouts against elite opponents such as Dmitry Bivol or David Benavidez. Buatsi, now 19-1, may seek rapid redemption, spurred by the fight's intensity and his valiant performance.
Both fighters earned respect throughout the match. While Smith lifted his stock significantly with this win, Buatsi's grit and determination revealed his potential to remain at the top of the light heavyweight division. The buzz generated by this rivalry continues to build anticipation for their next steps, whether it be a rematch or separate high-stakes fights.
The matchup was more than just about titles; it was about pride between two elite British boxers. It set the stage for future conflicts within the division and promised fans more thrilling action to come.