Why settle for words when you can shut your doubters with an epic performance? The Liverpool native Callum Smith did exactly that to capture the WBO interim light heavyweight title from his undefeated compatriot Joshua Buatsi. The duo went on a war to kick off the “greatest boxing card ever” and put on a show that left everyone inside the Kingdom Arena on their feet despite being one of the earliest fights of the night.

However, such performances often have an enormous price to pay, and this fight had the same outcome. While the duo definitely stole the show, none of them left the fight unscathed. Both fighters left the fight bloodied and bruised, leaving the fans quite worried. But the actual worrying update came after.

Callum Smith’s comeback against Joshua Buatsi leads them to the hospital

‘Mundo’ had been quite inconsistent after his loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2020. It only got worse after his loss to Artur Beterbiev last year. Injuries had plagued the last few years of his career and he had everything to prove with this fight, especially against an undefeated fighter like Joshua Buatsi. And he left nothing on the table as he put his body on the line to get himself back into the world title contention at light heavyweight.

However, during the middle rounds, a huge gash opened up above his right eye. On the other hand, Joshua Buatsi also never backed down and charged head-on against every offense. Right after the bout, Boxing News lead reporter Andi Purewal took to his ‘X’ to reveal that he had “heard that both Buatsi and Smith have gone to the hospital after that.” Furthermore, the prominent boxing page, Boxing n BBQ also reported that “Buatsi taken to the hospital.” The page further added, “Hope he (Buatsi) is ok and recovers 🙏🙏.”

While Callum Smith was a bit injured, it looks like the Ghana native was taken for a routine medical check as a precaution after sustaining plenty of punishment. It is a mandated requirement by the many commissions where the combatants sustain injuries to their heads. However, everyone who watched the fight knows how far Joshua Buatsi pushed himself and it could have been far scarier than it actually turned out to be.

Those body shots did a number

Fans filled the Boxing n BBQ’s post comments with positive messages for the 31-year-old. One user wrote, “Literally was watching the fight saying they need to stop it smh,” claiming how Buatsi’s corner should have stopped the fight. While the 19-1 fighter fought bravely, he was the second best amongst the duo for most of the fight. It looked like even he knew that, as he was quite desperate in the later rounds and was trying to force the points.

Another fan had a similar outlook as he wrote, “Man he’s good but he ain’t use his head at all in those middle rounds.” The user focused on how Buatsi left himself quite open to invite the body shots from Callum Smith which ultimately led to his downfall.

Another user wrote, “All those body shots get well.” In the fourth round, Mundo established his superiority with some ripping body shots. Smith continued to rip Buatsi’s torso apart in the following rounds and even sent the latter mouthpiece flying with a right hand. In the end, the damage even forced the 19-1 fighter to guard his ribcage.

Another fan acknowledged Joshua Buatsi’s effort and wrote, “He went to war,” claiming how he never let his shoulder down. Despite trailing most of the rounds, he never backed down and took the fight to Smith whenever possible. However, the newly crowned WBO interim light heavyweight champion rarely gave him any chance.

Another user wrote, “Prayers up,” hoping that Joshua Buatsi is well. As there has been no update from Ghanian’s team, it looks like it was indeed a regular checkup and the fans have nothing to worry about.

What do you think about Callum Smith vs. Joshua Buatsi? Should Buatsi’s camp have stopped the fight in the middle rounds? Let us know your thoughts down below.