Buatsi open to a rematch with Parker

Joshua Buatsi is open to meeting Zach Parker again, provided both men win their next fights. Parker hopes a victory over Umar Dzambekov on Saturday will put him in line for that rematch, which could be contested for a world title. Their first meeting remains a source of debate, but each boxer has another opponent to deal with first.

Parker faces the dangerous Austrian at the Copper Box Arena. Dzambekov has caught attention with spectacular one-punch knockouts, and Parker has a significant challenge before he can turn his attention to Buatsi. Their bout could prove an entertaining contest. Parker also stressed that his focus had to remain on himself: “I’ve got a big fight in front of me, probably a harder fight than the Buatsi fight.” He added: “You’ve got to take your ups and downs.”

The dispute over their previous meeting has not gone away. Last year, Parker was still challenging the points decision that went against him against Buatsi. “Every person I meet in the street first tells me I definitely won the Buatsi fight. It’s plain to see,” he told Sky Sports. He did, however, say that he was less bitter: “I’m not that bitter anymore.”

Buatsi explained what had troubled him about the fight: “What I couldn’t comprehend was being on the floor and thinking you won. It was a style that spoiled the fight.” He also argued that being on the canvas repeatedly did not make a victory deserved. Even so, he says he is open to facing Parker again: “I’ve always been open to fighting these guys and taking these fights.” He left Parker to handle his own assignment, saying he first had to “handle business”.

Buatsi has a major task of his own: he will face Willie Hutchinson for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight world title. He expects to beat Hutchinson again and claim the belt. “It’s been a whole career waiting for this opportunity,” he said, adding that competing for a full world title was what he had trained for over many years. He also expects a better Hutchinson, describing him as a good fighter. On the opponent he boxed two years earlier, he said he was expecting an improved version, with both men having had two fights since and Buatsi believing he had faced better opposition.

Buatsi summed up his approach this way: “This is the boxing game. Put them in front of me and I’ll go out and beat them.” He compared himself to old-school boxers and said he sees the ring as his job, whoever is put in front of him. Parker and Dzambekov are due to meet on Saturday at the Copper Box Arena; their fight will be shown live on Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 5pm. A rematch can only take shape after both men have completed their next fights.