Sunday 1 September 2019 21:14, UK
Joshua Buatsi broke down Ryan Ford's resistance to force a seventh-round knockout win at The O2.
The highly-rated light-heavyweight was taken past the sixth round for the first time before halting the rugged Ford, who complained afterwards that a low blow had contributed to his first stoppage defeat.
Stabbing out a stinging jab, Buatsi searched for early openings in the crouched stance of Ford, who had to withstand crunching body shots in the opening round.
Ford found his range with a couple of looping right hands in the second, drawing an aggressive response from Buatsi as he ripped in an uppercut followed by a chopping right in the third round.
But the skilful south Londoner was being made to work, and Ford stood firm in the fourth after a blurring combination, while stiff shots to the ribs could not shift the Canadian in the fifth.
Buatsi had never been beyond six rounds, entering unknown territory as he was extended into the seventh, although the 10th stoppage of his career would come shortly afterwards, much to the dismay of Ford.
A left hook sent shockwaves through Ford's legs and Buatsi rammed in body shots, with one of the closing blows appearing to slip below the belt line as his opponent toppled onto the canvas and was counted out.
Reflecting on his 12th professional win, Buatsi said: "We were rolling. He hit me behind the head. We don't complain - this is a fighting sport."
