Why Joshua Buatsi’s African heritage plays a key part in boxing career

Tonight will see Joshua Buatsi begin the next stage of his career.

After suffering his first professional loss to Callum Smith in a thrilling 12-round battle in February, Buatsi signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions to become the latest addition to a stacked light heavyweight stable.

Broadcast exclusively live on DAZN, Buatsi will face Zach Parker at Manchester’s Co-Op Live in a light heavyweight showcase.

I have spoken to Buatsi on several occasions, and he is someone who does not give much away. With a bushy beard prevalent on my laptop screen over Zoom, he is in fight mode.

Buatsi speaks with calmness and never lets his emotions get the better of him, but one aspect to his personality which brings a glint to his eye is his African heritage.

Born in Ghana, Buatsi made the move to the UK when he was nine years old, but this did not initially spark his interest in the sport which is now his career.

“In terms of boxing, it’s a weird one. Growing up, boxing wasn’t something I was majorly into at all,” Buatsi told DAZN News.

“It wasn’t until I came to England, and I was in high school, there was this thing called boxing where you could fight and not get in trouble.

“That’s why I gravitated towards it.”

Buatsi then explained how his African heritage influences his boxing career.

“It reminds me that I’ve got this opportunity that wasn’t always there. Make the most of it, there are people that will never get the opportunity.”

Just like Riyadh, Africa is also gaining momentum when it comes to being a frequent destination for marquee fight nights.

On December 19, Queensberry will be heading to Nigeria to stage a card in collaboration with Amir Khan, and it will feature some notable names.

Two-weight champion Lawrence Okolie is set to headline against an unnamed opponent along with former British heavyweight champion David Adeleye.

Then there are the proposed plans for 2026 with boxing superstar and former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua constantly being linked to a comeback fight in Ghana.

Having these major events take place on African soil will no doubt inspire the next generation of African fighters, whilst also giving the current crop a chance to gain some much-needed exposure.

Buatsi, who has dreams of fighting in Ghana, is glad to finally see these opportunities arise and even believes some are more talented than him inside the ring.

“It’s amazing to see that finally, fighters in Africa are getting the opportunities to fight in Africa.

“Some of the fighters that I’ve seen in Ghana are actually better than me. It’s just about getting the opportunity.”

Watch Buatsi vs. Parker live on DAZN

Joshua Buatsi vs. Zach Parker is live on DAZN tonight. Watch the fight and whole card with a DAZN subscription.

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