JOSHUA Buatsi paid tribute to vanquished opponent Liam Conroy after maintaining the unbeaten start to his professional career in their British title clash on Saturday night.

The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist made it 10 wins from 10, along with claiming his eighth stoppage win after halting Conroy – now 16-4-1 – in the third round.

The Barrow man won the respect of his opponent for his brave efforts though, twice rising after being knocked down in round three, and Buatsi made a point of hailing his performance.

"I want to congratulate Conroy," Buatsi said. "He stepped up for the vacant title and earned the shot.

"He took the fight, he came in, he tried and he fought me. I just said to him 'listen, man, it was my time – no hard feelings.

"'I wish you, your missus and your newly-born kid the best, and hopefully you get back home safely'. I'm grateful for this."

Buatsi was caught by several shots from Conroy before taking the win, but was happy to take a few to give a few.

"If it's raining and you go outside, you're going to get wet," said Buatsi, who could fight again on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's fight in New York in June. "My trainer is not going to like that, but you get hit a bit and get them before they get you.

"There is still a long way to go. The promoters, trainers and managers make the decisions and guide the career – my job is to get ready to step in."