On Saturday night at the O2 in Greenwich London, Joshua Buatsi remained on course for a shot at the WBA light heavyweight title by securing a hard earned unanimous points victory over the tough former world title challenger Craig Spider Richards 17-3 (10 Ko’s.) Buatsi, 174lbs got off to the busier start, out working the more conservative Richards with fast flurries behind the jab, Richards managed to land eye catching counters throughout the early rounds but boxed too economically to pinch the rounds. Buatsi and Richards engaged more through the middle rounds as the bout turned far more fan friendly. Buatsi appeared in control by the 7th but was allowing Richards opportunities to slide back in by easing off the gas. Richards capitalised on this in the 8th when he shook Buatsi up with a short uppercut, Joshua weathered the storm and survived the session by closing the distance and smothering Craigs work. Joshua turned the tables in the 10th a hurt Richards on a couple of occasions forcing the underdog to create distance and survive, Buatsi remained reluctant to rush in and opted to land selective shots from range. Buatsi was warned on a couple of occasions for low punching but managed to hurt Richards with legitimate body shots. Both fighters decided to stand and trade in the closing session in what was a last ditch attempt to catch the eyes of the ringside judges after such a lively fight. Buatsi was given the nod by scores of 116-112 (Jan Christiansen) 115-113 (Gustavo Padilla) and 115-113 (Bob Williams) Richards gracious in defeat praised Buatsi for the crafty way he survived when hurt in the 8th and coming back strong towards the closer. Buatsi had equal praise for Richards who still remains an active player after such a game and lively showing. Buatsi made it clear that he is absolutely ready for a world title shot now against whoever it may be. Joshua showed a lot of maturity in this fight and showed how versatile he can be at the highest level.