Joshua Buatsi open to Zach Parker rematch — Joshua Buatsi has indicated he would be willing to face Zach Parker again, with a world title potentially on the line, provided both men emerge victorious from their next assignments. The light-heavyweight contender made the comment as he prepares to challenge Willie Hutchinson for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight world championship.
Parker, who lost a disputed points decision to Buatsi last year, must first navigate a demanding bout against Umar Dzambekov at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday. The Austrian has built a reputation for explosive one-punch knockouts, and the fight is being shown live on Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 5pm.
Parker still questions Buatsi verdict
Parker has not accepted the outcome of his previous meeting with Buatsi. He claims that public opinion overwhelmingly favours him and that the result is obvious to anyone who watched. While he admits he is no longer consumed by bitterness, he believes the experience has taught him to handle both highs and lows.
Now his focus is squarely on Dzambekov, whom he describes as a more difficult opponent than Buatsi. Parker says he must concentrate on his own performance rather than dwell on the past. He also insists he did not hesitate to accept the fight, comparing his approach to that of old-school boxers who simply take on whoever is placed in front of them.
Buatsi criticises Parker's tactics
Buatsi, for his part, was unimpressed by Parker’s style in their first encounter. He said he could not understand how Parker could spend so much time on the canvas and still believe he had done enough to win. Buatsi described the approach as a spoiler’s tactic and questioned the logic of expecting victory from repeated knockdowns.
Nevertheless, Buatsi stressed that he has always been open to taking on the best available opponents. He said Parker should do what he needs to do, while he himself must first take care of business. That business is a rematch with Hutchinson for the WBC belt, a fight Buatsi sees as the culmination of a long career spent waiting for a full world title opportunity.
Buatsi expects a tougher version of Hutchinson than the one he defeated two years ago. He noted that both men have had two fights since then and that he has faced better opposition in that time. He anticipates a good fighter in Hutchinson but is confident of repeating the win and claiming the championship.
Dzambekov brings danger to Copper Box
Before any rematch can be considered, Parker must deal with Dzambekov, a fighter whose knockout power has already been showcased. The Austrian’s second-round stoppage of Ahmed Elbiali, which ended with a monstrous uppercut, underlined the threat he poses. Parker’s clash with Dzambekov is therefore a significant test and could prove to be a thriller.
For Buatsi, the immediate priority remains the WBC title fight against Hutchinson. He said the opportunity is what he has trained for throughout his career and that he is simply expecting a better Hutchinson than the one he boxed before. Buatsi’s willingness to revisit the Parker fight is contingent on both men winning their upcoming bouts, leaving the possibility of a high-stakes rematch alive.
