Callum Smith Defeats Joshua Buatsi to Claim WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Title

The hard-fought bout in Riyadh saw Smith secure a unanimous decision victory, with both fighters requiring hospital visits afterward.

Callum Smith won a unanimous decision against Joshua Buatsi in a grueling 12-round fight, with scorecards reading 119-110, 115-113, and 116-112.
The fight was part of the highly anticipated 'Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2: The Last Crescendo' card in Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Arena.
Both fighters sustained significant injuries, with Buatsi taken to the hospital as a precaution following the punishment he endured during the fight.
Smith's dominant body shots and experience gave him the edge, though Buatsi showed resilience and landed powerful left hooks in key moments.
The victory positions Smith for potential future matchups, including a possible rematch with Artur Beterbiev, though his prior loss to Beterbiev may complicate negotiations.