Croydon's Joshua Buatsi came through the toughest test of his career yet as he stopped tough Croatian Marko Calic in seven brutal rounds to retain his WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title in the main event at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The 27-year-old preserved his perfect professional record with a display of grit and firepower as he overcame the Calic's aggression in the opening rounds, then explosively forced the stoppage to bring up his 13th straight win.

"His jaw was broken," said Buatsi afterwards.

"In the third round I felt my swelling. I thought 'damn!' You do what you've got to do. He went southpaw so I looped the right hand. He hid it, but he was hurt. This guy said he was coming to burst the Buatsi bubble. I was here to defend it.

"People didn't know about him, the spectators and the public, but in our camp and within our team, we knew he was a good fighter. I was out for 400 days. We bit down on the gum shield and we got the win. This is a gentleman's sport, big credit to Marko Calic. I wish him nothing but the best. I wish him good health. Maximum respect to him.

"He came in and he gave me a good run for my money. I hope he gets home safely to Croatia. It was a hard fight but I learned. He didn't just come to make up the numbers. He was a good fighter, heading into our fight unbeaten. I couldn't see his right hands, I adapted. I dealt with it. If the World Title fight in 2021 opportunity is presented, and I've had the right fights, then absolutely."