Just Business – Queensberry announce newest signing, Joshua Buatsi
2016 Olympic medalist and former WBO Interim world, European, British and Commonwealth light heavyweight title holder Joshua Buatsi has signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren’s Queensberry and DAZN.
The 32-year-old from Croydon suffered a first professional setback in February when he lost his Interim world title to Callum Smith in a stirring encounter that will come into strong consideration when ‘fight of the year’ contenders are determined.
The Riyadh reverse has not diminished the stock of the Accra-born 175-pounder, who secured his Interim title honours with a defeat of Willy Hutchinson at Wembley Stadium on the Joshua-Dubois card last September, having previously overcome the European champion Dan Azeez seven months earlier to win British and European belts.
Buatsi turned professional in July 2017 and has amassed a record of 19-1 to date, with 13 of his wins coming via KO. His original British title success came against Liam Conroy in March 2019, with the WBA International title secured three fights previously. He also holds a victory over London rival Craig Richards in May 2022.
“After speaking with multiple promoters, Queensberry has a plan I’m comfortable with,” explained Buatsi. “I’m a British fighter, and the support I get from UK fans means everything.
“There’s nothing like fighting in front of a home crowd – the energy, the passion, it drives me. With Queensberry, I’ve got a team that understands that and backs me properly here in the UK.
“At the same time, their international links mean I can still make moves in the US and globally. Most importantly, they’ve got the right plan for my career – not just big fights, but the right fights, at the right time as I’m on the journey to become a World Champion.”
“I am delighted to bring Joshua on board with us at Queensberry and to showcase him on DAZN,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The light heavyweights possess so much quality, and Josh will be a major mover in the division and right in the mix for world title contention.
“When Bivol and Beterbiev settle their trilogy sequence the division should open up and there will be massive fights to be made. There is also the Benevidez-Yarde world title fight coming up in Riyadh and Josh will be a natural candidate to take on the winner.
“In the meantime, we will keep Josh busy and ready for the major challenges, with regular activity being something he has lacked in recent years.
“I am looking forward to the journey and keep an eye out for pending news of Josh Buatsi’s next move.”
Queensberry announced this latest signing on the same day that they recruited European light-heavyweight champion, Bradley Rea.
