Joshua Buatsi says Anthony Joshua is ideal role model as he prepares to start professional career
Wednesday 7 June 2017 15:16, UK
Joshua Buatsi admits that Anthony Joshua has plotted the perfect path for him to follow ahead of his professional debut next month.
The 24-year-old light-heavyweight this week signed for promoter Eddie Hearn, teaming up with Joshua's own management company, and his first fight in the paid ranks will be at The O2 on July 1, live on Sky Sports.
Buatsi claimed bronze at last summer's Rio Olympics, while Joshua took gold at the London 2012 Games, and the south Londoner says 'AJ' is an ideal role model for a young fighter turning professional.
"Of course Josh has set a standard and he's paved the way that you wouldn't want to do anything but to follow it," Buatsi told Sky Sports.
"To be compared - I would say I'm my own individual - but the path that he's set is the path that every boxer would want to take, being world champion within three-and-a-half years. Who wouldn't want to do that?"
Joshua quickly boosted his profile by fighting regularly throughout Britain and Buatsi plans to undergo a similarly busy schedule.
Buatsi, who is due to have eight fights in the first 12 months as a professional, said: "If I go out there and blow them out, then it will be more.
I'm looking to go out there and show the whole nation what I can do, to captivate everyone, and build a huge fan base.
"Hopefully I will stay injury free and be able to meet that target. I'm looking to go out there and show the whole nation what I can do, to captivate everyone, and build a huge fan base."
Joshua is expected to keep a close eye on Buatsi in the capital next month and the exciting prospect knows he must produce an impressive display.
"The O2 is not far from where I live, it's in London, and hopefully everyone can come out and support me," said Buatsi.
"There is a lot of people out there to impress and the expectations are high, but that's why I am preparing as hard as I can to go out there and put on a show."
