15 March 2023 , 13:38
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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi has ditched Eddie Hearn to sign for Ben Shalom's BOXXER.
Buatsi had been a long-term staple of Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing roster as he built his career to 16 professional fights without defeat. The British star has not been in action since last May where he outpointed domestic rival Craig Richards which looked to set up a world title clash with Dmitry Bivol.
However after a period of absence in the ring, BOXXER have announced that they have since acquired Buatsi to their growing stable, with the Briton becoming following Lawrence Okolie in making the move back to the platform. Promoter Shalom expressed his delight with his new signing.
He said: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to welcome Joshua Buatsi to the BOXXER stable. He is an exemplary role model and one of the most talented fighters we have in this country. Buatsi wants the biggest fights possible in front of the largest possible audience to achieve his unlimited potential.
"He feels he wants to make up for lost time and we’re looking forward to sharing this journey with him, as he sets out to bring major nights and titles to Britain.”
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Buatsi himself hinted that the move was largely down to Matchroom Boxing's switch to broadcast partner DAZN, along with the possibility of a domestic clash with fellow prospect Dan Azeez. He initially said in a statement: "I want to get the biggest fights on the biggest, most accessible platform for sports fans, so that's why I've signed with BOXXER and Sky Sports.”
Joshua Buatsi has signed for BOXXER and Sky Sports (PA)Who would you like to see Joshua Buatsi fight before the end of the year? Let us know in the comments section below
He later added at a press conference to announce his move: "'I want people to say, 'We know what channel to turn to.' I'm not gonna tell you to download an app, to type in your email. My last fight, I asked myself, 'How many watched it?' I don't think a lot of people saw it. For the blood and sweat I shed it is important to me that people have access to watch it.
"I think straight away I am in the top three of the governing bodies, so it is about moving myself in the right way so that I can become a mandatory. There is no specific route or name I just want to get my hands on a belt. I've been working very hard and I aim to go back to the United States and May 6 I aim to pick up where I left off."
Buatsi will make his BOXXER debut in Birmingham as part of another stacked card of domestic talent as he looks to tee up the world title shot. It remains unclear if his opponent could indeed be Azeez who just recently picked up a fine win over Thomas Faure to become European champion.