Ahead of their fight on May 21 Joshua Buatsi and Craig Richards did a good job of building the tension and anticipation on Face Off, a new show from Matchroom Boxing.
The two light-heavyweights meet at the O2 Arena, live on DAZN, in a clash that will see a world title opportunity draw closer for the winner. As part of the build-up the two men were seated across from one another with broadcaster Ade Oladipo in the middle to ask the questions for one of boxing’s traditional formats before a big fight.
Richards attempted to get under the skin of Buatsi by claiming the Olympian has had an easier career than that of his own. A claim which the undefeated 29-year-old refuted. Buatsi played it cool, his poker face rarely breaking despite the jabs by Richards.
“This guy I believe was pushed on to the world scene,” said the 32-year-old.
“So, [if] there’s any domestic fight that isn’t going backwards [it] would be Buatsi. He’s put there to say he’s world level. Every single British fight I had I never got credit for it. They was all coming off good wins when I boxed them and when I got rid of them I was discredited. I don’t believe they’ll discredit me for beating Buatsi.”
Buatsi’s opinions and responses were more business-like, but he left enough at the table to display an exterior that looks like it wants to do a job on Richards in under two weeks.
“They said there’s a lot of options that was put to the table. For me there wasn’t. Spider was the name that came up, Spider was the fight that was being pushed. Let’s have it,” said Buatsi.
“I’m not going to shy away from it. Good opponent and it’s going to be in London, got a good dancing partner. For me it’s a good opponent I’m fighting, I have the same mindset and I’ll handle business as always.”
Richards took a shot at his upcoming opponent’s résumé again which brought out a conversation between the pair, beginning with Dmitrii Bivol’s former opponent.
“He’s been played safe.”
“Guess what there’s no safety caps on. May 21 st, we find out.”
“Safety cap’s off, the real shit’s here now. Your ego’s your downfall. You believe you’re something special.
“If you don’t believe you’re something special, what are you doing bro.”
The host then asked each fighter how they beat one another.
“By being myself,” said Buatsi. “Whatever I have to be I will be. Whatever I have to do I’m capable of doing it. In that ring I find a way, that’s one thing I know about myself. I’ve looked at you. I’ve seen you. You know what’s going to happen. I win this fight no matter how it comes.”
“There’s multiple ways I can beat Josh,” said Richards. “But May 21 st tune in.”
Click here to watch Face Off in full.