sport news Joshua Buatsi weighs in heavier than Craig Richards but 'Spider' wins A side ... trends now
Joshua Buatsi will take to the ring first in Saturday night's London grudge match against Craig Richards after losing a coin toss at Friday's weigh-in.
The unbeaten knockout artist (15-0) is the favourite to emerge victorious, though both fighters hold ambitions of escaping a thriving domestic scene as they push on to world level in a light-heavyweight division littered with killers.
It was Buatsi who tipped the scales marginally the heavier of the two at 174lbs 12oz just over 24 hours out from the WBA title eliminator, while Richards weighed in in at 174lbs 4oz.
Joshua Buatsi (left) and Craig Richards (right) both comfortably made weight on Friday
The pair have remained amicable throughout the build-up to the fight but there was tension in the air at London's Old Spitalfields Market on Friday afternoon as the rivals engaged in a lengthy stare down.
No words were exchanged, but mind games certainly were, as Buatsi failed to take to the stage upon being called on first, instead waiting on 'Spider' - considered by most to be the 'B' side - to do so.
It will be bookies' favourite Buatsi waiting around while Richards takes to the ring on fight night, however, after promoter Eddie Hearn settled the decision with an on-stage coin toss.
Buatsi exceeded all prior expectation as he claimed a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, but Saturday night's clash at the O2 Arena will be his toughest test yet in the pro ranks.
The 29-year-old was taken beyond seven rounds for the first time in his most recent outing against Ricards Bolotniks last year but, having insisted he's levels above Spider throughout the build-up, on Friday doubled down on his pre-fight confidence.
