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Shalom hints at Buatsi vs Yarde summer blockbuster
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Danny Ryan
LiveScore
Joshua Buatsi holds the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles
Joshua Buatsi holds the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom has suggested a bout between British light-heavyweight rivals Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde could happen in the summer.

Buatsi, 30, claimed his 18th professional victory when he outpointed Dan Azeez at Wembley Arena last Saturday, while Yarde locks horns with Marko Nikolic at the Copper Box Arena tomorrow evening.

Two-time world title challenger Yarde, 32, will be looking to secure a 25th career win and Shalom believes the Hackney-born fighter is the perfect next challenge for the unbeaten Buatsi.

He told BBC Sport: "There is no better opponent for Joshua than Yarde.

"There's the history and the comparisons made over many years. It's a huge fight."

Shalom is also confident promotional differences can be overcome to make the fight happen, with Yarde currently represented by Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions.

Anthony Yarde has suffered three defeats in his professional career
Anthony Yarde has suffered three defeats in his professional career

He added: "Buatsi vs Azeez did so well on tickets and interest but Buatsi vs Yarde is on another level. It's another London grudge match.

"I do believe the Yarde fight is what both Boxxer and Queensberry want and I believe that fight will happen in the next few months.

"Buatsi wants to remain active. It's the biggest fight for both of them and then we can see the winner fight for a world title."

Buatsi, who claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is the mandatory challenger for Dmitry Bivol's WBA light-heavyweight world title.

However, the Russian star will face compatriot Artur Beterbiev in a highly-anticipated undisputed bout on June 1, potentially paving the way for a summer showdown between Buatsi and Yarde.

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