Image Text:

IMPRESSIVE: Joshua Buatsi, left, in action against Marco Antonio Periba in June at Madison Square Garden

JOSHUA BUATSI will defend his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Ryan Ford on the undercard of the huge Lightweight World title showdown between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Luke Campbell at London’s O2 this weekend.

Buatsi has said he expects a stiff test from the unbeaten opponent but he is confident of extending his unbeaten record from 11-0, nine KOs.

He was last seen taking out Marco Antonio Periban in four rounds on the Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr bill at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, marking his big US debut with a ruthless stoppage win in the Big Apple.

The Croydon star took a step up in class against Periban and was eager to impress, dropping the Mexican and then finishing the fight with a barrage of punches to earn his sixth successive win inside the distance.

Ford, a former opponent of Fedor Chudinov and Avni Yildirim, has never been stopped in 20 career fights and the former MMA fighter, hailing from Edmonton, Canada, picked up the WBC International Silver Light-Heavyweight title in his last fight.

TOUGH
“I’m fighting a tough, durable opponent on August 31 in the form of Ryan Ford,” said Buatsi.

“He’s never been stopped in his 20 professional fights and he’s got some good experience against some top names.

“He’s an ex-MMA fighter so he’ll know how to handle himself. “If I can become the first fighter to stop him then I’ll be very happy. “As always, it’s about getting the win at all costs. I’m there to get the job done and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”