JOSHUA BUATSI has cooled talk of an imminent switch to the professional ranks.
The highly-rated amateur is in demand after impressing on the way to claiming Olympic bronze in Rio.
But Buatsi, 23, insists his recent appearances at events staged by promoter Eddie Hearn do not mean he is on the verge of signing with Matchroom.
He told SunSport: “I still haven’t made a decision yet. I’m going to get uni out of the way first — that’s my priority right now.
“I want to finish off my degree and then my next move will be announced.
“I’m at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, studying management studies and sport science. I’m in my last year and only have a few modules left.
“There are many options and Eddie would be one of the routes I could go down.”
Tongues began to wag when Buatsi was seen in Covent Garden as Kell Brook and Gennady Golovkin took part in public workouts ahead of their middleweight clash earlier this month.
The rumour mill really cranked up when the light-heavyweight watched from ringside as Golovkin retained his IBF, WBA and WBC world middleweight titles at The O2 Arena.
But Buatsi added: “What people mustn’t forget is I’m from London. If there’s a big fight in London, you’re going to see me there because I’m a local boy.
“I came back from the Olympic Games and there was a big fight happening, so why wouldn’t I be there?
“As a boxer, being on a show like that has got to be one of your aims. You definitely imagine yourself at that level, 100 per cent.
“It excites me thinking about it — and I’m sure it would excite any boxer.”
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Buatsi returned to Sheffield earlier this week to train with the Team GB boxing squad and could yet opt to bid for a place at the Tokyo Games in 2020.
In the meantime, he is getting used to his increased profile, which resulted in a guest appearance at Crystal Palace’s 4-1 victory over Stoke.
The Ghanaian-born Croydon resident said: “My boxing club, South Norwood and Victory ABC, is not far from Selhurst Park. When we’re training and they score, we always hear the roars from the crowd.
“It’s only right to support the team nearest to me.
“Going there was good because some of the guys on the team are local boys and it was good to see local people at the game.
“It was a good vibe, the reception was good and I felt very welcome. I had a quick interview during half-time.
“People have stopped me in the street since the Games. But I’ve got a little beard and am a bit chubbier now, so sometimes they ask ‘Are you Joshua Buatsi?’ and I’m like ‘Yeah, it’s me’.
“I’ve taken the approach that it’s part of the whole package. I just embrace it. I want to thank my GB and club trainers, family, church and friends for helping me get into this position.”
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