Joshua Buatsi to be trained by Virgil Hunter

[Ruthless-RKO]

Per Sky Sports

Joshua Buatsi will now be trained in the US by Virgil Hunter, who oversaw Andre Ward's legendary career.

Undefeated light-heavyweight contender Buatsi has uprooted for California in search of "a few things that need to be added" by the trainer who also worked in Amir Khan's corner.

Buatsi told Sky Sports that his decision was about the opportunity to learn from the trainer behind the success of Ward, who retired with a perfect 32-0 record and world titles in two divisions.

"Part of the reason I was here? Yes. Ward got to the highest level and achieved everything and is someone who operated at my weight," said Buatsi.

"But it's mainly the style that I like. Each of his fighters translate it differently.

"Ward messaged me to ask where I'm living, where I'm staying. Last time I was here, he came to see me."

Ward was recognised as the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world during his heyday of a career that included a win over Carl Froch and two victories over the previously-unbeaten Sergey Kovalev.

Buatsi calls Hunter "the primary source" of Ward's ability and says "it all makes sense" having now worked with the veteran trainer.

He says about his new trainer: "Very calm is the best way to describe him. He is very strategic, he says just enough. He is very, very positive and optimistic.

"If I don't get something right straight away, it's not the end of the world. He has the right mindset.

"The public haven't seen how good I can be, or I will be.

"I want to unlock the potential that I have got. This addition to the team will 100 per cent bring the best out of me."

Buatsi explained how the link-up with Hunter occurred: "When Anthony Joshua fought Andy Ruiz Jr in New York, I met Virgil. I said: 'I'll come and train with you one day' in the sense that I would learn some bits and pieces then go back.

"That's where it ended, in June 2019.

"Souleymane Cissokho works with Virgil but we are managed by the same people, 258 Management. My team said to Virgil that I'm ready to come out.

"I came out after my last fight, after the swelling went down, in October 2020 for six weeks. It was new to me but I learned so much.

"I went home to assess. I came to the conclusion that it's something that needs to be added to my game.

"This is an addition that I needed."

Buatsi came through the most stringent test of his career so far last October against Marko Calic, suffering damage above his eye but still managing to secure a stoppage win.

His return to the ring is expected to be a headline event in May.

He reflected on a brutal fight with Calic: "I had to back up what I'd been saying. When you have swelling like that, it looks like you've taken a beating.

"It made it look worse which I wasn't happy about. Normally I win a fight without any scratches on my face.

"I have talent but there is also a will to win.

"I will look to put on a performance but, if I need to show my guts again, we'll do what we need to do."

[Oiky]

Needs to get the ball rolling now,been f****d up times but he's not been out in a while,good move though

[Ruthless-RKO]

Does Virgil still train Yoka?

[mickey1975]

I think he’s another one who’s massively overrated! What has he done? The Olympics were five years ago.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I think he’s another one who’s massively overrated! What has he done? The Olympics were five years ago.

Who? Yoka or Virgil?

[mickey1975]

I think he’s another one who’s massively overrated! What has he done? The Olympics were five years ago.

Who? Yoka or Virgil?

Josh.

[margaret thatcher]

has hunter improved any fighter who's switched to him?

[Goodz]

Spencer Fearon will be ecstatic at this news!

[dbf]

Buatsi was essentially training at the EIS wasn't he - coached behind the scenes by McCracken?

An interesting move but if I were Buatsi I would have sought either of the Diaz's (Pedro/Joel) or gone to McGuigan with whom he has a good relationship from sparring his boxers. Not sure Hunter has a lot to give at this age.

[knockout]

Can’t say I blame him replacing Croydon with California for training.

Virgil Hunter ... how long was Andre Ward with him for ? Was it after he turned pro or did Hunter look after him before the Olympic gold?

Not sure if this is the case or a boxing trainer getting reflected glory of an incredible talent in Andre Ward ...

[mickey1975]

Can’t say I blame him replacing Croydon with California for training.

Virgil Hunter ... how long was Andre Ward with him for ? Was it after he turned pro or did Hunter look after him before the Olympic gold?

Not sure if this is the case or a boxing trainer getting reflected glory of an incredible talent in Andre Ward ...

I think he was a dad-trainer.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Can’t say I blame him replacing Croydon with California for training.

Virgil Hunter ... how long was Andre Ward with him for ? Was it after he turned pro or did Hunter look after him before the Olympic gold?

Not sure if this is the case or a boxing trainer getting reflected glory of an incredible talent in Andre Ward ...

I think he was a dad-trainer.

Like Barry Hunter

[jameswilson]

Not sure why but I’ve always disliked Virgil Hunter.

[BigDoofus]

Buatsi was essentially training at the EIS wasn't he - coached behind the scenes by McCracken?

Lottery funded facility for Olympians and Paralympians. (And boxers associated with McCracken). I wonder how much they contribute?

[mickey1975]

He couldn’t be arsed to get into the ring with Khan. He had the fastest fighter in the world (Khan) and the strongest on the inside (Ward) and trained them the same.

[margaret thatcher]

Not sure why but I’ve always disliked Virgil Hunter.

he's kinda creepy when you hear him talk and he seems pretty black nationalist, got into weird slave owner/plantation comments when dawson fought ward (dawsons promoter or something was white)

as mentioned, spen fearon will love it

[jameswilson]

I remember Ambrose Mendy had me in stitches in one interview.

‘I listened to Hunters interview the other day......I think I say more words in 15 seconds than Hunter said in that 20 minute interview.’

[BigDoofus]

Spencer Fearon will be ecstatic at this news!

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Steveh583]

has hunter improved any fighter who's switched to him?

just what i was going to ask

[Ruthless-RKO]

has hunter improved any fighter who's switched to him?

just what i was going to ask

He turned Khan into more of a boxer.. he was much less careless when with Hunter..