Joshua Buatsi v Anthony Yarde: Promoter Ben Shalom says domestic fight could happen this summer
- Published
Buatsi (right) beat fellow Londoner Dan Azeez at Wembley's OVO Arena on 3 February
The long-awaited all-British fight between Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde could happen this summer, according to Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom.
Londoners Buatsi, 30, and Yarde, 32, are two of the country's top light-heavyweights and have shared a rivalry ever since turning professional.
Buatsi outpointed Dan Azeez last week while Yarde fights for the first time this year on Saturday.
"There is no better opponent for Joshua than Yarde," Shalom told BBC Sport.
"There's the history and the comparisons made over many years. It's a huge fight."
Buatsi - an Olympic bronze medallist - is unbeaten in 18 pro fights and will be the mandatory challenger for Dmitry Bivol's WBA light-heavyweight world title.
The Russian, however, will face fellow champion Artur Beterbiev in an undisputed title fight on 1 June.
Yarde, a two-time world-title challenger, has won 24 fights, losing three, and has welcomed a fight with Buatsi.
Shalom is confident promotional conflicts that have previously prevented the fight from happening, with Yarde represented by Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, can be overcome.
"Buatsi-Azeez did so well on tickets and interest but Buatsi v Yarde is on another level. It's another London grudge match," Shalom said.
"I do believe the Anthony Yarde fight is what both Boxxer and Queensberry want and I believe that fight will happen in the next few months.
"Buatsi wants to remain active. It's the biggest fight for both of them and then we can see the winner fight for a world title."
Big fights expected for Dubois and Azim
Shalom expects Britons Caroline Dubois and Adam Azim to be in high-profile bouts in 2024.
Unbeaten lightweight Dubois opted out of challenging for the vacant IBF title earlier this year and Shalom said the decision was made to keep her active.
"The key to her success as a young fighter is activity," he said.
"There are a lot of conversations going on at the moment but I believe Caroline will fight for a world title next."
European champion Azim, 21, was ordered this week to defend his title against Sheffield's Dalton Smith.
"We do love that fight and I think British boxing does as well," Shalom said. "It reminds me a bit about Kell Brook and Amir Khan when they were coming through.
"Adam will be off for Ramadan for a lengthy period but I hope it can happen sometime this year."
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- Published11 January
