Paul Edwards
Top trainer
I would say so, he’s ready for him. Could he beat him? I don’t know. I think it’s 60-40 Bivol. But I reckon Buatsi will step up the better the opposition. I really rate Craig Richards, I think he’s a great fighter. I think he’s world class.
Paul Smith
Former British champion
I don’t think Buatsi is ready for Bivol just yet. Maybe a couple more tests and he hopefully will be. I rate him. His jab has come on a lot and his heart was never in doubt. He was taking a couple of unnecessary shots and so I would suggest a couple more before looking at Bivol, like fights with Callum Johnson, Yarde, Arthur etc.
Paul Ready
Boxing manager
I think the time is now for Buatsi to go and challenge Bivol. Richards was a good yardstick not just because he’d boxed Bivol previously. Josh ticked all the boxes, had his chin checked, had to dig deep and I thought he ground out an 8-4 victory.
Andy Clarke
Boxing commentator
He’s ready enough. He’d be the underdog but if you wait for the perfect time and conditions to challenge for a title belt then you could find yourself waiting forever. Now is the time and whatever the outcome I’d be confident he’d prove he belongs at that level.
