The experience and pedigree of former WBA super middleweight champion Callum Smith of Liverpool (31-2, 22 KOs) was the difference in a rugged action fight over Joshua Buatsi of London (19-1, 13 KOs). ...

7-fight Riyadh Season mega event also includes Stevenson-Schofield, Adames-Sheeraz, Ortiz-Madrimov, Zhang-Kabayel, and Buatsi-Smith

Adames retains 160 title in draw with Sheeraz; Ortiz outpoints Madrimov; Kabayel KOs Zhang; Callum Smith outslugs Buatsi

Joshua Buatsi was handed a razor-thin victory over Craig Parker in their light-heavyweight clash after a tense ten-round battle that swung back and forth throughout the evening. From the opening bell, Buatsi looked the slicker operator, taking the first two rounds behind his sharper combinations. However, Parker refused to be intimidated, landing solid counters that signaled his intent early on. By the third, Parker began to frustrate the favorite, using movement and timing to disrupt Buatsi’s rhythm. The Londoner appeared hesitant in the fourth and fifth sessions as Parker grew in confidence, forcing Buatsi onto the back foot and capitalizing on lapses in concentration. Buatsi Rallies Buatsi finally found his rhythm again in the sixth, showing flashes of the form expected from a world-title hopeful. But Parker immediately responded in the seventh, staying composed and outworking his opponent to regain the upper hand. Heading into the final stretch, Buatsi looked in danger of dropping a decision. He edged a close ninth, though fatigue was evident from both men. Parker then closed firmly in the tenth, outlanding a lackluster Buatsi in what appeared to be a decisive round. Final Scores Despite many observers leaning toward Parker, the judges returned scores of 95-95, 96-94, and 96-94 in favor of Buatsi, resulting in a majority decision in his favor. The result leaves Buatsi with plenty to reflect on — a victory on paper, but one that felt more like a warning than a triumph. WBN Scored 96–94 to Parker. In an emotional touch at ringside, a seat was reserved in honor of Ricky Hatton, following the beloved UK legend’s tragic passing in September — a reminder of the sport’s deep sense of loss on a night when British boxing once again took center stage. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

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Ben Whittaker could face Anthony Yarde or the Joshua Buatsi–Willy Hutchinson winner before getting his world title shot, even if he beats Conor Wallace in Ben Whittaker Faces Another Step Before World Title @ Boxing News 24

Nakatani to vacate 118 belts, move up; Boxxer lands BBC deal; Buatsi, Rea set for Queensberry debuts; Japan's Kotari dies from brain injury; Cuello crushes Rios; Quick hits; Show and tell

Callum Smith is your new interim WBO light heavyweight world champion!

WBN provides a live round-by-round scorecard for the WBA International Light-Heavyweight Championship clash between Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker from the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. For Buatsi, this is a fight to reclaim lost momentum after his February setback against Callum Smith. The Olympic bronze medalist insists the rebuild ends here — victory tonight is non-negotiable. Across the ring, Parker enters with quiet confidence after four straight wins since his loss to John Ryder. The Derby man believes he’s stronger at 175 and ready to shock the favorite. With promoter Frank Warren confirming the winner will move into 2026 world title contention, both fighters enter knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win restores relevance. A loss could end the road. Follow the action as both British light-heavyweights battle for supremacy in a crucial ten-round contest that could shape the 2026 world title picture. WBN Live Scorecard Buatsi vs Parker Round by Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Official Result: To be confirmed after the final bell. Live WBN coverage of the main card begins at 7:00 pm GMT on DAZN from the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.