Carl Froch, the former super-middleweight world champion, has shared his thoughts on the matchup. 'The Cobra', who famously knocked out George Groves at Wembley Stadium in front of 80,000 people, has sparred with both fighters in the past.
In a recent analysis video, Froch called Smith a "good fighter" and a "quality operator". He pointed out that Smith's best win came against George Groves, praising his boxing skills and strong counter left hook.
Turning his attention to Buatsi, Froch said:
"This step up in competition for Buatsi is long overdue. He doesn't have any standout names on his record yet. He needs to prove himself at world level."
Despite this, Froch sees potential in both fighters. He noted their good pedigree, ability to move around the ring, throw combination punches, and display good footwork.
Buatsi currently holds the interim WBO world champion title, but this fight marks a significant step up in competition for him. For Smith, a loss could lead to retirement considerations, as Froch mentioned:
"Smith's had a great career, but he hasn't quite cut it at world level. If he loses this one, he might think about hanging up the gloves."
When asked for a prediction, Froch leaned towards Buatsi, citing his ambition as the deciding factor. He believes the key to victory will be "the fighter who goes for it and puts shots together."
The stakes are high for both boxers. The winner could get a shot at the Beterbiev-Bivol winner, potentially setting up a world title fight. It's a make-or-break moment, especially for Buatsi, who's looking to prove he belongs at the top level.
As the fight night approaches, fans will be eager to see if Froch's analysis holds true and which fighter will take the crucial step forward in their career.