Home Bet on Boxing Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker – Big Fight Preview & Predictions

Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker – Big Fight Preview & Predictions

Buatsi battles Parker in Manchester on Saturday

Joshua Buatsi faces Zach Parker in Manchester on Saturday, live on DAZN Photo Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Joshua Buatsi faces Zach Parker in Manchester on Saturday, live on DAZN Photo Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

Joshua Buatsi looks to get back to winning ways and stay on course for a maiden world title shot when he faces Zach Parker in Manchester on Saturday.

Buatsi and Parker clash for the WBO International light heavyweight crown over 10 rounds at the Co-op Live Arena, live on DAZN.

Buatsi, who makes his debut with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, is looking to steer himself back into world title contention after suffering a first professional defeat in February, outpointed by British rival Callum Smith in a fight of the year contender in Riyadh.

The 32-year-old lost his WBO interim crown, but still holds a lofty ranking with the governing body and victory here will keep him on track for a shot at unified world champion, Dmitry Bivol.

The Olympic bronze medalist will also be keeping a close eye on long-time rival Anthony Yarde, who challenges David Benavidez for the WBC world title on November 22.

Buatsi was beaten by Smith in February Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Buatsi was beaten by Smith in February Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Parker, 31, moved up from super middleweight in his last outing, beating Mickael Diallo by unanimous decision in February.

The Derby man missed out on a world title shot at 168 pounds after retiring injured against John Ryder in 2022, but victory here would also put himself in line for a future meeting with Bivol, with a ranking of three by the WBO.

Prediction: Parker is a crafty boxer and should give Buatsi a stern test here, but I expect Buatsi the pull away down the stretch and secure a unanimous decision win.

Buatsi and Parker face-to-face ahead of Saturday's showdown Photo Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Buatsi and Parker face-to-face ahead of Saturday’s showdown Photo Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Rea battles Arthur

Bradley Rea puts his European light heavyweight title on the line against Lyndon Arthur in all-Manchester chief support clash.

Rea captured the European strap with a points victory over Shakan Pitters in June.

 

Arthur has won just one of his last three bouts and looks to bounce back from defeat to the aforementioned Yarde, who beat him on points in their third fight in April.

Prediction: Arthur’s experience should prove pivotal here and he can become the new champion with a points win.

Cameron clashes with Jones

A third light heavyweight attraction sees Liam Cameron return to action in a 10-round meeting with Troy Jones.

After a controversial technical draw with Ben Whittaker, Cameron suffered a second round stoppage defeat to the Birmingham man in April.

Ben Whittaker stopped Liam Cameron in two rounds in their rematch in Birmingham Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Ben Whittaker stopped Liam Cameron in two rounds in their rematch in Birmingham Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

Jones has only lost once to Ezra Taylor in May and is coming off a low-key points success over Bahadur Karami.

Prediction: Cameron should take a points win.

Remaining Undercard

Elsewhere at light heavyweight, Billy Deniz should remain undefeated with a points victory over Ezra Arenyeka over eight rounds.

Bolton super lightweight, Khaleel Majid should extend his unbeaten record with a win on the scorecards against Dave Ryan in their 10 rounder.

At middleweight, Stephen Clarke should get the better of the durable Jose Aguirre on points over six rounds.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DAZN Boxing (@daznboxing)

Super bantamweight prospect, Leighton Birchall can make it three straight stoppages with victory over Wilbert Panttin before the conclusion of their four rounder.

Jermaine Dhliwayo can make it eight straight professional wins with a points success over Cesar Ignacio Paredes at super featherweight. Their clash is set for four rounds.

Bradley Casey should see off Antonio Borovina over the distance in their four rounder at heavyweight, while Leon Hughes can do the same against Pavol Garaj at light heavyweight.

Liverpool welterweight, Luke Prior will be a points winner on debut against Eduardo Vera Sanchez and fellow debutant, John Tom Varey can do the same against Brandon Gallardo Vargas.