ClutchPoints just isn’t affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to any sportsbook. Gambling just isn’t offered on this website in any form.
To open what Riyadh Season is billing because the “fight card of the century,” Joshua Buatsi (19-0) will defend the WBO light heavyweight interim title against Callum Smith (30-2). It’s time to proceed our boxing odds series with a Joshua Buatsi-Callum Smith prediction and pick.
Buatsi, 31, finally obtained a world title in September 2024 with a split decision nod over Willy Hutchinson. The English prodigy made his skilled debut after winning a bronze medal on the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics. With 13 knockouts in his 19 victories, he has risen the ranks under the tutelage of former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Smith, 34, will probably be the largest test of Buatsi’s profession as a former super middleweight champion and light-weight heavyweight title challenger. Smith is just 3-2 in his last five fights but has only lost to 2 of the highest pound-for-pound fighters, Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev. Since his violent loss to Beterbiev, Smith rebounded with a fifth-round TKO of Carlos Galvan in November 2024.
Listed here are the Joshua Buatsi-Callum Smith odds, courtesy of FanDuel
Boxing Odds: Joshua Buatsi-Callum Smith Odds
Joshua Buatsi: -215
Callum Smith: +164
Over 10.5 Rounds: -310
Under 10.5 Rounds: +225
The right way to Watch Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith
Time: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
Fight ring walk time (estimated): 11:45 a.m. ET / 8:45 a.m. PT
TV/Stream: DAZN pay-per-view
*Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access / Save $30)*
Why Joshua Buatsi Will Win
Since suffering a brutal beatdown by the hands of Beterbiev, many have questioned Smith’s heart and drive deep into his decorated profession. It was the primary knockout lack of his profession, however the variety of beating that has permanently altered the careers of many fighters before him. If rumors of Smith’s potential decline are true, he can be in for a rough night against Buatsi.
Related NewsArticle continues below
Buatsi has not won by knockout since 2021 but has three knockdowns in his past two fights. He’s a fast starter with fast hands and adept foot movement. Each of those elements of his game will probably be key against the taller and longer Smith. Buatsi’s affinity for attacking the body may also be a weapon of his to look at against a lanky opponent like Smith.
Buatsi’s biggest criticism has been his energy management. After a robust pair of opening rounds against Hutchinson, he notably faded in the center rounds before finding a second wind to gut out a victory. Smith, nonetheless, just isn’t one to show up his pressure and volume late and reasonably maintains a gentle pace throughout. Buatsi has acknowledged his spotty cardio and vowed to point out improvement on this performance.
Why Callum Smith Will Win
The road for Smith has been rough of late, but he has still only lost to 2 of one of the best fighters of the present generation. Each losses were discouraging but were also among the best performances of each Alvarez and Beterbiev’s respective careers. Buatsi has the hype and record of a reputable champion but just isn’t yet at the extent of either Alvarez or Beterbiev.
While Buatsi likes to start out fast and establish a tempo, Smith has not typically faltered under such circumstances. He endured a rough opening round against Beterbiev but mostly fell victim to the Russian’s power, which Buatsi couldn’t equal. Buatsi’s finishes are typically based on pressure reasonably than pure power. Smith has historically been capable of sustain with such fighters.
Not only will Smith be probably the most experienced opponent of Buatsi in his profession, but he may also be the most important. He owns a four-inch reach advantage over Buatsi that can force the Brit to interrupt into his range. Smith’s jab is a frequent weapon of his that would easily give the interim champion trouble, particularly if he expends his energy too quickly like he did against Hutchinson.
Final Joshua Buatsi-Callum Smith Prediction & Pick
At this stage of his profession, many of the questions on Smith are about his mental preparation. The Beterbiev loss was catastrophic, but he looked like his old self against Galvan. Buatsi is a notable step up from Galvan but is nowhere near Alvarez or Beterbiev just yet.
Buatsi generally finds success in overwhelming opponents, which can be tough to do against an experienced and longer fighter like Smith. It could definitely still occur, nevertheless it took Beterbiev seven rounds to stop Smith, while Buatsi noticeably slowed against Hutchinson around that mark. If he allows a savvy veteran like Smith to rally back the way in which he did Hutchinson, Buatsi could possibly be in for an evening stuffed with disappointment.
He could have to survive an early storm, but Smith has been the brisker fighter within the later rounds between the 2 of their recent showings. Buatsi is talking about Smith as if knocking him out is a foregone conclusion, a variety of confidence that is usually a double-edged sword. Smith’s recent losses are definitely worrisome, but he’s otherwise 3-0 in world title fights against opponents who don’t sit atop the energetic pound-for-pound rankings.
Final Joshua Buatsi-Callum Smith Prediction & Pick: Callum Smith (+164)
The content of this text is for entertainment and academic purposes only, and ClutchPoints makes no warranty to the accuracy of the knowledge given or end result of any sporting event. Gambling just isn’t offered on this website, and all betting content is meant for audiences ages 21+. All picks and predictions are based on each individual author’s opinion, and do not express that of ClutchPoints. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
