Bellew vs Haye 2: Joshua Buatsi idolises James Toney, Evander Holyfield and Andre Ward
Thursday 3 May 2018 08:50, UK
Joshua Buatsi is preparing for just his sixth fight but has explained how he takes inspiration from some boxing greats.
Olympic bronze medallist Buatsi takes on Stephane Cuevas in an eight-rounder on the undercard to Tony Bellew vs David Haye, live on Sky Sports Box Office, on May 5.
He dreams of eventually emulating his heroes…
James Toney
The boxing IQ he's got is amazing. I haven't seen anyone else operate like that.
Joshua Buatsi's verdict: If you watch him, he is so relaxed. He throws combinations in a relaxed stance which is amazing, man.
Usually when you unload a combination you go all-out, but he is relaxed and letting his hands flow.
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The boxing IQ he's got is amazing. I haven't seen anyone else operate like that. You can learn it to an extent, but you've either got it or you haven't.
Evander Holyfield
He fought, and beat, bigger men.
Joshua Buatsi's verdict: Holyfield is very different. I like his combination punching, like Toney, but his are different. The amount of punches he could put together was in the early-20s - punch after punch after punch.
I watch Holyfield before I spar. He moved from light-heavy to cruiserweight to heavyweight. He fought, and beat, bigger men.
I've got a big smile on my face! The things he can do - if I can do just an ounce of it, I'll be a half-decent fighter.
My favourite fight was Holyfield's first with the big geezer, Riddick Bowe. Even though he lost, both fighters showed such heart. We're talking about him fighting someone much, much bigger. Credit to him, hats off.
Andre Ward
I watch him, and see how he does things.
Joshua Buatsi's verdict: He has done it all - from the Olympic level to the world level. He unified the super-middle and light-heavyweight divisions. I watch him, and see how he does things.
