Eddie Hearn in awkward exchange with Joshua Buatsi’s trainer over next opponent

Boxing promoter Hearn proposed a shot for Buatsi next against Artur Beterbiev after his victory over Craig Richards, to which his trainer Virgil Hunter responded with a “brain damage” jibe

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Joshua Buatsi’s trainer questioned if Eddie Hearn wanted “brain damage” in an awkward exchange after the boxing promoter talked up a fight with Artur Beterbiev.

The British star took the latest step of his undefeated career with victory over domestic rival Craig Richards in London last weekend. This could now see him finally bridge the gap to world level, having become the leading contender for Dmitry Bivol’s WBA light-heavyweight world title.

But Buatsi’s coach Virgil Hunter questioned whether his fighter was ready for the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Bivol during the post-fight press conference. “I can’t honestly say that right now,” Hunter replied when asked about a shot against Bivol. “Because being at the world title level, there’s just some things I need to see. But he’s always going to be in the fight, trust me, he’s gonna be there.

“So I’m not saying he would lose to Bivol or Canelo, I think he’d give Canelo fits. His physicality would give Canelo fits and he would wear Canelo down. Bivol does some things I think that we should work on some more. Make him just complete – give him the opportunity to win a belt and keep a belt, not just fight for the belt, then go back down. Win a belt, then keep a belt.”

Hearn promptly chimed in, adding: “Beterbiev’s a great fight as well. War.” An awkward silence filled the room as Hunter processed the comments of the young star’s promoter. The long-time boxing trainer then replied: “Why? Do you want to have brain damage?” Hearn continued: “It’s a great fight, isn’t it though? Style-wise it’s a great fight.”

Hunter ended the exchange eventually agreeing with Hearn, admitting: “Yeah, it’s a great fight.” Buatsi was forced to come through adversity in his latest victory having been rocked in the eighth round by some stiff shots from Richards who came close to earning a stoppage.

Do you think Joshua Buatsi could beat Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev? Let us know in the comments section below

But otherwise, Buatsi put in a clinical display and dominated large parts of the fight to win the WBA title eliminator. Bivol recently defeated Alvarez in a shock encounter in Las Vegas but could now face an immediate sequel with the Mexican confirming his plans to activate a rematch clause.

Hearn believes Buatsi is capable of challenging for the title against Bivol in his next fight. “Canelo has got the option to fight Bivol next or fight Triple G and then Bivol,” Hearn said. “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.

“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.”