Buatsi reveals where he ranks Parker among British rivals ahead of must-win fight

Joshua Buatsi believes Zach Parker is the best light heavyweight in Britain heading into their fight in Manchester on Saturday night.

Buatsi has shared the ring with several of his domestic rivals in recent times, beating the likes of Willy Hutchinson, Dan Azeez and Craig Richards, before he was outpointed by Callum Smith earlier this year as he slipped to his first professional loss.

But he feels Parker, 26-1 (18 KOs), who previously operated at super middleweight prior to jumping up to 175lbs, will prove to be the best of the lot.

Asked where he would place Parker among his British foes, Buatsi replied: “Currently, I’ll put him at number one. He’s the next guy that I need to beat to keep moving forward so, for me, he’s number one.

“A fighter that’s ambitious, that makes him dangerous. Parker seems very ambitious, so he’ll be a dangerous fighter, and it’s for me to go out there and handle business.”

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Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

The British light heavyweight scene also includes Anthony Yarde, who will challenge David Benavidez for his WBC title in Saudi Arabia next month, and Buatsi’s fellow Olympian, the unbeaten Ben Whittaker.

Yet Buatsi still thinks Parker poses the biggest threat and is not taking him lightly.

The 32-year-old Olympic bronze medallist currently sits fifth in The Ring’s light heavyweight rankings and is on the cusp of a world title shot ahead of his Queensberry debut this weekend.

But he knows he cannot afford another defeat on his record and is refusing to look too far ahead as he focuses his attention on returning to winning ways.

“It’s a fight that I know I must win and a fight that I’ve prepared very hard for and I’m looking forward to,” Buatsi added.

Watch Buatsi vs. Parker live on DAZN

Joshua Buatsi vs. Zach Parker is live on DAZN this Saturday night, November 1. Watch the fight and whole card with a DAZN subscription.

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