Eddie Hearn has admitted that Joshua Buatsi could fight Dmitry Bivol next if Canelo Alvarez doesn't rematch the Russian.
Buatsi was taken the distance for the first time in four years on Saturday night as he outpointed Craig Richards to maintain his unbeaten record. The 29-year-old is now one step closer to a light heavyweight world title shot with his win.
Alvarez moved up to light heavyweight for the first time in three years last month, but came up short against Bivol. Hearn, who promotes Buatsi and Alvarez, said that if the Mexican faces Gennady Golovkin for a third time next, Buatsi could fight Bivol.
"Canelo has got the option to fight Bivol next or fight Triple G and then Bivol," Hearn told reporters. "If he fights Triple G, Bivol is looking for a fight and I would love to bring Joshua Buatsi back to the 02 for that.
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"It’s an incredible fight. He is ready to challenge. It was an incredible fight tonight but I don’t think there are any more steps. If Bivol is ready and available to go towards the end of the year I think that is the fight for Joshua Buatsi."
Buatsi insisted he is ready for a world title shot after his latest win. Before beating Richards, the Ghanian-born Brit had knocked out his last 10 opponents. "We want the world title. We've made it very clear. We are ready," Buatsi said after his win. When you are there you believe in yourself. This guy lives next door to me. He gave me 12 hard rounds. Maximum respect to him.
"It couldn't have been a great fight without Spider. It takes two to do it and he did it. He pushed me every round. I knew it was a close fight but I'd say I hurt Spider more. You could argue for both."
Hearn praised Buatsi for his latest win and said Richards was a big step-up in competition for him. The promoter agreed with 'JB' that only a world title shot makes sense for him next: That was a big risk for Joshua Buatsi tonight but he came through," he said.
"There is nowhere else to go, there is nothing in the middle anymore between this and a world title. I know this young man has his eye on world championships and I think it is time after a fight like that."
