Register for FREE to read this article.

Already have an account?

You have article views left.
Register for FREE to read more articles.

Already have an account?

Remind me next time

Joshua Buatsi faces the biggest test of his career when he takes on Ricards Bolotniks in the third week of Matchroom Fight Camp battles, and it looks set to be an informative contest.

Week three of Matchroom's Fight Camp gets underway at 6pm and will be shown live on streaming service DAZN. Buatsi and Bolotniks are expected to ring walk at approximately 10.30pm.

Joshua Buatsi Record

Joshua Buatsi to win in the fourth round - BET NOW

 

Buatsi has had only 14 professional fights, but he has made a big impression even if it has been against mostly limited opposition. 

The Croydon banger stopped Ryan Ford with a body shot in the 7th round prior to getting Marko Calic out in the same round at the end of last year. Buatsi ended Daniel Blenda Dos Santos in four last time out, putting the Frenchman on the canvas three times.

Ricards Bolotniks Record

Bolotniks has improved no end in the last couple of years, and that was highlighted by successive wins over British pair Steven Ward and Hosea Burton. Those fights came in the Golden Contract event, and the Latvian went on to win that competition when stopping Serge Michel in the final.

Joshua Buatsi vs Ricards Bolotniks Prediction

Joshua Buatsi to win by stoppage - BET NOW

 

Buatsi is the short-priced favourite at 1/8, with Bolotniks 11/2 to upset another British fighter and the draw a 25/1 poke. 

It's 7/2 that the fight lasts the full 12 rounds and 1/4 that it ends before the final bell. 

Buatsi has stopped 12 of his 14 professional opponents, and the Croydon man is 4/11 to stop the Latvian and 4/1 to win by decision. 

On the evidence of his performances in the recent Golden Contract competition, Bolotniks is going to represent the stiffest challenge of Buatsi's career, but it's hard not to have been impressed by the Croydon puncher's skills, variety and shot selection.

It's also worth remembering that Just Business was an excellent amateur fighter, having won a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and that grounding gives him experience beyond his 14 pro contests. 

Bolotniks has been stopped three times in his career, and while they all come before the Lion's recent improvement, they were against opponents that Buatsi wouldn't be losing any sleep over. 

The Latvian's victories over Steven Ward, Hosea Burton and Serge Michel read well, but Michel didn't look in the best shape, and Buatsi should find the come-forward style of Bolotniks an easy one to negate. 

Just Business has the skills, power, speed and timing to dismantle Bolotnkis, and it may not take Buatsi too long to end this contest. Not only does the British fighter have the punch strength to cause the Latvian plenty of problems there's a potential class gap that could leave the Lion overwhelmed. 

Punters can consider backing the Croydon man to win in rounds 1-6 at 7/5 and by stoppage at 4/11. Those wanting to chance something at a bigger price can take the 12/1 about a Buatsi fourth-round victory. 

Joshua Buatsi vs Ricards Bolotniks Betting Tips

1. Joshua Buatsi to win in the fourth round - BET NOW

2. Joshua Buatsi to win by stoppage - BET NOW

Sign up to Easyodds to use our odds comparison service for all your betting choices!

You can grab any new customer offer in our free bets section to place a wager on this fight. Thank you for reading and good luck betting today!

Get all the best Boxing odds at our extensive boxing betting centre.