The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester hosted a tense and technical night of boxing on Saturday, as Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker met in a closely contested main event for the vacant WBA International light heavyweight title.
In the headline bout, Joshua Buatsi edged Zach Parker via a 10-round majority decision after a tactical battle filled with clinches and moments of frustration for both sides. Parker started strong, using his jab and footwork to control distance, but Buatsi’s pressure and cleaner shots in the later rounds likely swayed the judges. The scorecards read 95-95, 96-94, and 96-94 in Buatsi’s favor.
Watch the official fight highlights.
The co-main event saw Lyndon Arthur reclaim European glory with a hard-fought majority decision over Bradley Rea to capture the EBU light heavyweight title. Arthur was dropped in the second round but rallied with sharp counters and a dominant second half, winning on scores of 114-114, 115-113, and 115-112.
Watch the official fight highlights.
Earlier in the night, Liam Cameron produced an upset win against Troy Jones, claiming the WBA Intercontinental light heavyweight title with a well-earned unanimous decision. Cameron’s veteran savvy and consistent work rate made the difference, as the judges scored it 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94.
Watch the official fight highlights.
Opening the main card, Billy “Turkish Tyson” Deniz remained unbeaten after outpointing Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka over eight rounds. The fight was scrappy and marred by head clashes, but Deniz’s cleaner work earned him a 79-74 points victory from referee Steve Gray.
Image Credit: BBC