Frank Buglioni retained his British title and Joshua Buatsi made an impressive start to pro career

By Richard Damerell

Frank Buglioni defended his British title at the end of an explosive night of action, with Joshua Buatsi making an impressive start to his professional career.

Buglioni retained his Lonsdale belt in an entertaining points win over Ricky Summers after a crop of exciting young talent had taken centre stage at The O2.

All eyes were on Buatsi as he marked his debut with a classy stoppage victory, while Conor Benn and Lawrence Okolie displayed their ruthless instincts in swift wins.

Starting in style

Buatsi had caught the eye at last summer's Rio Olympics with his smooth combinations and the bronze medallist effortlessly adjusted to life in the paid ranks.

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Buatsi shines on pro debut in front of Anthony Joshua

Have a look at the highlights from Joshua Buatsi's professional debut

He will face tougher opponents than Carlos Mena, but did what was expected, effortlessly shifting shots from head to body as the Spaniard was halted inside two rounds.

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Anthony Joshua, the IBF and WBA 'super' heavyweight champion, knows all about the pressures on a young prospect and was full of praise for the 24-year-old light-heavyweight.

Anthony Joshua was very impressed with Joshua Buatsi's performance

"He seemed cool as he was walking in tonight, but you never know, even the toughest men get nervous," said Joshua, who was part of the Sky Sports team of experts.

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"He handled it well and was a beast in there with his body shots and uppercuts."

Back with a bang

Conor Benn had been absent from the ring since December, honing his skills with trainer Tony Sims, and he looked razor sharp in a third-round stoppage win over Mike Cole.

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Benn ends seven-month hiatus

The 20-year-old welterweight displayed those trademark hurtful hooks, but the 'Destroyer' also showed more subtlety with his footwork, head movement and shot selection.

His jubilant father Nigel joined him in the post-fight interview and the former world champion predicted a bright future for his son.

Conor Benn said his injury layoff has helped him improve as a fighter

"I believe he will surpass me," he told Sky Sports. "He's got a long way to go, but he's on the right track."

Another early KO for Okolie

After three first-round wins, The O2 crowd were watching to see if Okolie could continue this destructive run, and he duly obliged by stopping Russell Henshaw inside the opening round.

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Okolie continues KO streak

Okolie paid little attention to the pressure of a ticking clock as he stalked his opponent before chopping him to the canvas with a body shot.

Another assault to the ribs virtually ended Henshaw's resistance, with the referee waving it off shortly afterwards, and the 24-year-old had given another chilling display of his punch power.

Lawrence Okolie's post-fight reaction

In his post-fight interview, Okolie brushed off questions about Isaac Chamberlain, who had won earlier in the night, but a meeting between these London rivals would surely supply even more fireworks.

Buglioni looks beyond British scene

Even before his first defence, British champion Buglioni had set his sights on WBA champion Nathan Cleverly, and the 28-year-old expressed his desire to test himself at a higher level after a points win over Ricky Summers.

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Buglioni retained British title against Summers

Buglioni was made to work for the win by the determined Summers, who did himself proud after shedding pre-fight nerves, but 'Wise Guy' knew too much for the Midlands man and raised a gear when he needed it.

It remains to be seen whether Buglioni can climb back to world level after losing on points to Fedor Chudinov in 2015, but a step up to European level will give a good indication of whether he can challenge the likes of Cleverly.

Frank Buglioni's post-fight reaction
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