Joshua Buatsi open to Zach Parker rematch ahead of Willy Hutchinson title fight

Parker must first beat Austrian puncher Umar Dzambekov at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, the same night Buatsi fights for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight championship.

Buatsi is prepared to fight Parker again if both men win their next bouts, with Parker hoping a second meeting could come with a world title at stake.

Both have major tests on Saturday. Parker faces Dzambekov, a dangerous Austrian who has produced one-punch knockouts, at the Copper Box Arena, live on Sky Sports' digital platforms from 5pm. Later that night, Buatsi rematches Hutchinson for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight championship.

Asked about facing Parker again, Buatsi said: “Let him do what he's got to do. First and foremost I have to handle business.” Parker still disputes the points decision he lost to Buatsi last year. He said: “Every man and his dog walking down the street, the first thing they say to me is you defo won the Buatsi fight. I think it's just plain to see if you got eyes.” Buatsi called Parker's approach a spoiling style and said he could not understand how Parker believed he had won after being on the floor. He said: “I'm not telling you how to box or what tactics to use but simply being on the canvas so many times and thinking that's going to give you a win, it doesn't make sense.” Parker said he is no longer bitter about the result and believes Dzambekov is probably a harder fight than Buatsi was.

Buatsi, who has already beaten Hutchinson, expects to do so again and win the WBC belt. He is anticipating a better version of the opponent he met two years ago, saying each has had two fights since and that he has faced the better opposition.

READ NEXTJoshua Buatsi hits back at Zach Parker over disputed win: 'It was a spoiler of a style'Read the next story →

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