Joshua Buatsi can’t predict Beterbiev-Bivol but knows it’s a difficult task to beat either of them

JOSHUA BUATSI is a realist and knows how tough it would be to try and beat Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol.

The two best light-heavyweights in the world will put the four world titles between them on the line in Riyadh on October 12 with the winner becoming undisputed world champion.

For years both have created a gap between themselves and the rest of the pack who haven’t been able to catch them. Some have fallen, some are in the distance and one or two are nearing their own world title shot. Buatsi plans to travel out to Riyadh to watch the two champions in October which will arrive a few weeks after his own next fight against Willy Hutchinson at Wembley Stadium.

A win for Buatsi should see him fight the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol or at the very least challenge for a vacant title if the undisputed winner is stripped of one or more of their championships.

“You have someone with a 100 per cent knockout ratio (Beterbiev) and someone who’s a great technician (Bivol) so who is going to execute their game plan. Very hard to call,” Buatsi said.

“They’re both impressive, they’re both champions for a reason and just like everyone else we’re going to sit back and watch and see who wins.”

“I think it’s going to be a big ask against any of them and that’s the reality of it,” he added. “Let’s not try and pretend they’re not legitimate champions. These are two good champions.

“To be very honest with you it’ll be a hard task for anyone.”