Joshua Buatsi vs. Ricards Bolotniks final press conference

Joshua Buatsi vs. Ricards Bolotniks

Fight Camp Week 3,Matchroom HQ, Brentwood, Essex, England 14/8/21

Ricards Bolotniks, Joshua Buatsi, Michael McKinson and Przemyslaw Runowski had plenty to say to each other as they went head to head at their final press conference ahead of this weekend’s huge card.

The event takes place at Matchroom Fight Camp on Saturday and will be broadcast live on DAZN, with Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs) and Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) clashing for the WBA International light-heavyweight title, while McKinson (20-0, 2 KOs) defends his WBO Global welterweight title against Runowski (19-1, 5 KOs).

The fighters spoke in front of the media on Thursday, and they are all extremely confident of getting their hands raised on fight night.

Bolotniks said: “I wanted this fight straight after the Golden Contract, and now I’m here and I’m so happy. I’m ready for Saturday, and I am only here for the victory.

“Buatsi is a big star here and a good boxer. He’s strong and tough, and I want a street fight with him. In Latvia I was always fighting on the street. Boxing is more professional, but I want a war and I’m sure me and Buatsi will have a massive fight.

“I’m focused on Saturday, but after this of course I want the world title. I have the perfect team around me, and this is the right time.”

Buatsi said: “When this fight was offered we said yes straight away and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be prepared and we have covered all aspects.

“I’m sure sometimes we’ll have to fight man against man and we’ll see what happens. This is a good gauge to see where I’m at, and a good performance from myself gives me the green light to say let’s go get that world title.”

McKinson said: “It feels different being the A-side, there is a lot more pressure, but I enjoy that. He’s a tough opponent, but it’s a solid test for me. Runowski is on form, and him and his team are confident, but what I do best is ruin that confidence. Round by round it will fade.

“I’m focused on Runowski and not thinking about anybody else, so I’ll get the job done in style and then move on. He has the type of style to make me look good. I’m excited to put on a good display of boxing.

“I do well under pressure, and proved that last time out. There is more pressure on me with me being the favourite and it’s new territory for me. It’s a great occasion on a big show, and I know I’ll perform, that’s all that matters.”

Runowski said: “I am ready for this big fight. I have trained very hard and have had a two month camp with very good sparring. I’m ready to showcase my skills on Saturday, and I’m very confident I will win.”

(Kristian von Sponneck)

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