By Elliot Foster
Joshua Buatsi outlined his star quality with a systematic stoppage of Baptiste Castegnaro.
It was one-sided from the Olympic bronze medallist against the game but limited Frenchman, who was halted by the referee in the penultimate of six rounds.
The fight topped the Matchroom-promoted JD NXTGEN card at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London and showcased the second pro outing of one of the biggest stars of the next generation.
Buatsi now has two from two, with both early, and will return to the ring on October 7 at the Manchester Arena.
Castegnaro gave a good account of himself against the dazzling 24-year-old, but was ultimately outclassed by a talent who still has the capacity to learn and develop.
Buatsi’s next outing will come on the undercard of Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns’ must-win lightweight meeting.
And Conor Benn moved on and remained undefeated by taking the unbeaten record of Kane Baker.
Baker was beaten by the better man on the night, but it is clear that improvements are still needed if Benn is to get to the same sort of level as his Dad Nigel did.
It is likely that Benn will now be handed a spot on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s next fight, against Kubrat Pulev, on October 28 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, though official confirmation of that has yet to be made.
