Callum Smith Beats Buatsi for WBO Interim Title

Joshua Buatsi entered his February 22, 2025 bout with Callum Smith unbeaten at 19–0. The WBO interim light-heavyweight title held by defending champion Joshua Buatsi was at stake, and challenger Callum Smith defeated defending interim champion Buatsi to win the belt.

The title opportunity

Smith won by unanimous decision over 12 rounds, taking the interim title and handing Buatsi his first professional defeat. The result moved Smith closer to a full world-title opportunity.

How the fight ended

Buatsi’s unbeaten run ended at 19 fights. Smith left with the WBO interim belt after a clear points win.

Sources

• The Ring: Buatsi and Smith face off ahead of their interim title fight (January 15, 2025)
• World Boxing Organization: Callum Smith named interim light-heavyweight champion
• World Boxing Organization: February 2025 results and rankings

Sources

• ringmagazine.com
• wboboxing.com

Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports