Heavyweight Boxer Joshua Buatsi fights for his first professional title

Joshua Buatsi will fight for his first professional title on July 28 – part of the undercard to Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight clash with Joseph Parker at Greenwich’s 02 Arena.

Buatsi, from Croydon, quit the GB amateur ranks in July 2017 and has all but one of his six bouts by stoppage, writes Richard Cawley.

The South Londoner’s last action came at the same venue in May when he halted Stephane Cuevas.

Buatsi, 25, faces a step up in quality against Ricky Summers (15-1) when they clash for the WBC international light-heavyweight belt.

Staffordshire’s Summers has only lost once – a points defeat to Frank Buglioni for the British title a year ago.

“Fighting for my first belt definitely adds excitement,” said Buatsi. “It is helping to fuel the work I’m doing in training as it adds a physical reward for all the effort I’m putting in.

“Our paths have crossed once, Ricky seemed a good guy.

My debut was on the undercard of his British title shot against Frank Buglioni last July. I know that he will train hard, is going to come to fight and will have the desire to win, so it is all set up to be an exciting fight.

“I’m back fighting at The O2 and I’m going to make it the lion’s den. I love fighting there and plan to put on a show to create an incredible atmosphere when we are in the ring.

“My team have the experience and knowledge to guide my career and to make the correct decisions which allows me to prepare and continue to improve, I can’t wait.”

Brixton’s Whyte will look to press home his credentials for a world title shot as he looks to inflict a second straight defeat on former WBO champion Parker.

The sole blemish for the 30-year-old – nicknamed The Bodysnatcher – was a KO loss to Anthony Joshua.

An impressive win over Parker would add to the clamour for a rematch.