Callum Smith rolled back the years in Riyadh with a punishing, high-level performance that ended Joshua Buatsi’s unbeaten run and secured the WBO interim light-heavyweight title. Staged at The Venue during Riyadh Season on 22 February 2025, this all-British clash delivered twelve rounds of sustained intensity, skill and grit, with Smith emerging a deserved winner by unanimous decision.

From the opening bell, it was clear this was no routine assignment. Buatsi entered the ring as the undefeated champion, buoyed by momentum and belief, while Smith arrived with the edge of experience earned at the highest level. The Liverpudlian, a former super middleweight world champion, looked sharp and composed early, using his reach and timing to establish control without rushing his work.

The first few rounds were competitive, with Buatsi pressing forward and attempting to impose his physical strength. However, Smith’s accuracy and variety soon began to tell. He mixed his shots intelligently, repeatedly targeting the body to sap the Londoner’s energy while remaining defensively responsible. Rather than loading up, Smith focused on clean scoring punches, forcing Buatsi to work harder for every success.

As the fight moved into the middle rounds, Smith’s ring intelligence became increasingly evident. Buatsi enjoyed moments of success, particularly when he increased his output, but Smith responded calmly, often answering back with sharp counters that swung the momentum back in his favour. The tempo remained high, yet Smith appeared more comfortable maintaining it, a reflection of his years operating at world championship level.

By the championship rounds, fatigue was visible on both fighters, but it was Smith who continued to land the more telling blows. His body attack earlier in the contest paid dividends, slowing Buatsi just enough to limit his effectiveness. Despite the champion’s bravery and determination, Smith’s cleaner work and control of key moments separated the two men.

The judges’ scorecards reflected that edge, all reading in favour of Smith, who claimed victory by unanimous decision and lifted the WBO interim light-heavyweight crown. It was a statement performance that underlined his adaptability and resilience after setbacks earlier in his career.

This result also built on Smith’s solid run leading into the contest. In his previous outing, he had comfortably beaten Carlos Galvan in November, a fight designed to keep him active and sharp. That preparation showed, as he handled the step up in intensity with assurance.

In a demanding twelve-round battle that tested both fighters’ resolve, experience proved decisive. On a major international stage, Callum Smith delivered a measured yet forceful display to overcome Joshua Buatsi, closing the night in Riyadh with his hand raised after one of the standout British fights of recent years.