Overview
- Joshua Buatsi faces Zach Parker on Saturday at Manchester’s Co-op Live, with coverage on DAZN and main event ring walks slated around 10 p.m. local time.
- Buatsi returns from a February loss to Callum Smith and says he is embracing an underdog mindset despite his profile and rankings.
- FanDuel lists Buatsi at -650 and Parker at +420, with prop markets favoring a Buatsi stoppage and a decision win priced at +200.
- Parker seeks to validate a resurgence after a 2022 defeat to John Ryder and a broken hand, entering this bout following a 4-0 run since moving up from super middleweight.
- Analysts suggest the winner could move closer to a title opportunity as undisputed champion Dmitry Bivol recovers from back surgery and targets an early 2026 return, with predictions split between a Buatsi decision and longer-shot value on Parker.