"Joshua Buatsi Embraces a Peaceful Life in America, Yet to Connect with His Neighbors"

Table of Contents

• Quiet Life in America
• Training Routine
• Social Life
• Return to the Ring
• Looking Ahead

JOSHUA BUATSI has been leading a serene life while training in America – not even engaging with his neighbor.

The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist relocated to California during the Covid pandemic to train with renowned coach Virgil Hunter.

Joshua Buatsi lives and trains in CaliforniaCredit: @joshuabuatsi Buatsi enjoys a peaceful life in AmericaCredit: @joshuabuatsi Boxing legend Andre Ward with BuatsiCredit: @joshuabuatsi

Buatsi has moved around before settling near Hunter’s gym in Hayward – where the unbeaten great Andre Ward once trained.

Amazingly, he is so focused that he hasn’t even exchanged a word with his neighbor yet.

Buatsi, 32, shared with SunSport: “What we do is quite repetitive and dull.

“We try to mix it up by going to different places to eat or taking walks, but honestly, I wouldn’t say I’m a local. I’ve moved around a lot, but I think where I am now feels more permanent.

“The culture here is different, and I often tell my friends back in England that if you’re in one place for about a month, someone is bound to recognize you and say hello.

“You’ll build that kind of rapport, but in the States, I don’t even know what my neighbor looks like. I’ve never seen them.

“I hear them, but I’ve never seen them! In England, you’ll hear and see your neighbor. The cultural difference is quite significant, honestly. Training here has been fantastic.

“It’s incredible for training, which is primarily why I’m here. The setup I have is effective; it really benefits my training and makes it much easier.

“Training itself is tough, but with the setup and minimal distractions, it becomes worthwhile and easier.”

Although there are numerous social hotspots in Buatsi’s lively neighborhood, the Londoner is too busy resting to explore them.

He said: “I’m different. I prefer to stay in bed because if I don’t rest, the next day will be ten times harder for me.

“So, during my downtime, I prioritize rest, sleeping as much as possible to recover, ensuring that I’m ready for the tough days ahead. I don’t have anything exciting or new to share!

“We do watch various things, to be honest. I study quite a bit while I’m in camp. I look into different cultures, religions, finances, and just odd topics, but I enjoy it.”

Buatsi has since returned to England as he prepares for his return to the ring.

Parker has only lost once in 27 fights, to John Ryder in 2022, after moving up from super-middleweight.

Conversely, Buatsi is coming off his first defeat, having narrowly lost to Callum Smith, 35.

Long-time rival Anthony Yarde, 34, is set to challenge American David Benavidez, 28, on November 22 in Riyadh for the WBC title.

Meanwhile, Artur Beterbiev, 40, and Dmitry Bivol, 34, are expected to face off in their trilogy decider next year.

Thus, Buatsi finds himself on the outside looking in – but only for the time being.

He remarked: “That’s far from my focus regarding the fight before the fight, but I’m excited to face a good opponent who has only lost once and is well-experienced. I’m looking forward to a comprehensive fight.”

Buatsi and opponent Zach ParkerCredit: @Queensberry