The Most Troubled British Fight Sanctioned

British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg) Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) has stated that he is open to a bout with Willie Hutchinson (18-1, 13 KOs), but his focus remains on Anthony Yarde (25-3, 24 KOs).

"Since the fight against Dan Azeez, I've been saying – let's make the fight with Yarde. Let's make it happen. It's still in the plans, but the fight with Hutchinson is also sanctioned. There are two options, but I think I know which fight the fans want to see.

Let's hope for the fight with Yarde. There has been a lot of talk. I've done my part and removed Azeez from the path, then asked for the fight with Yarde. Let's hope it happens," Buatsi told TalkSport.

Earlier, on June 15, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) sanctioned a light-heavyweight bout between Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde. Promotional bids between the parties are scheduled for July 10. The fight will be for the Lonsdale Belt, the oldest championship belt in British boxing, established in 1909.

Before this, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) appointed the Buatsi-Yarde fight for the "interim" light-heavyweight champion title. However, the deadline for organizing the fight passed without notification from Anthony, after which the WBO approved a request for a fight between Joshua and Willie Hutchinson.