Joshua Buatsi scores first round stoppage of Renold Quinlan

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Joshua Buatsi had no problems retaining his WBA international light-heavyweight title as he stopped Renold Quinlan inside two minutes at Greenwich’s 02 Arena.

The Croydon man knocked over the Australian challenger with a left hook and although he beat the count the referee would not let him continue.

Buatsi was lucky not to get heavier punishment just before that for punching as referee Terry O’Connor called break. Quinlan dropped to one knee but the official pulled him back to his feet and only gave him a brief recovery period.

“The rules in boxing are to defend yourself at all times,” said Buatsi. “The shot was already gone before I heard anything.”

Asked about a step up in challenge, Buatsi said: “I’m always ready to go.”

PICTURES BY NATALIE MAYHEW/BUTTERFLY BOXING