Joshua Buatsi pummels Andrejs Pokumeiko inside opening round to set up a bout against rival Ricky Summers
Croydon star needed just less than three minutes to cruise past the Latvian to maintain his perfect record
JOSHUA BUATSI blasted his way to his seventh career win with a stunning first round stoppage and sent rival Ricky Summers a terrifying Birthday message.
The 25-year-old Croydon star did not even need the full three opening minutes to obliterate Andrejs Pokumeiko.
The Anthony Joshua-managed light-heavyweight sensation blew his Latvian opponent away with two thunderous left hooks that bookended a brutal assault.
Buatsi only turned professional last year but, under AJ’s expert guidance, now has five KO wins on his perfect record and will be targeting a serious title in rapid time.
The Riga man with the long green socks reached Greenwich with 14 losses on his record but only three by stoppage.
But Buatsi smashed through his Eastern European grit and got his shift finished for the night in no time at all.
Both men were game for a fight from the first bell, there were right hooks and heavy hands inside the pocket from the off.
There was little time to exchange cautious jabs before a thunderous left hook stunned Pokumeiko and two more swinging blows floored him.
The brave underdog climbed to his feet but a follow-up onslaught ensued and another left hook flattened the game but out-of-his depth visitor.
Promoter Eddie Hearn claimed his man is already close to a world title challenge, surpassing most of his domestic rivals.