Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker Tips, Boxing Predictions & Latest Odds
Lewis Watson 
British light heavyweight boxing takes centre stage in Manchester on Saturday night, as Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker headline what promises to be a thrilling card.
Adding extra spice to the evening, a local derby serves as the chief support at Co-op Live.
Manchester City supporter Bradley Rea will put his European title on the line against former world title challenger — and proud Manchester United fan — Lyndon Arthur.
Exclusively on Free Bets here's my run down of the action with two boxing tips for the main fight.
Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker Tips
Buatsi and Parker rightly take centre stage, with both men eyeing a route into the world title picture in a division currently ruled by the recovering undisputed champion, Dmitry Bivol. The Russian is expected back in early 2026 after undergoing back surgery, leaving the landscape wide open for contenders to make their move.
Buatsi sits fifth in the WBC rankings and sixth with the WBO, so the stakes are clear — the winner in Manchester could find themselves next in line for a shot at the top, especially if Bivol decides against diving straight into a third clash with his long-time rival, Artur Beterbiev.
Buatsi heads into this fight looking to respond after tasting defeat for the first time in his professional career, losing to Callum Smith on the Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 undercard in Riyadh back in February.
The Rio 2016 bronze medallist earned plenty of respect that night, pushing Smith all the way in a fight-of-the-year contender. But this weekend marks new territory — the first time Buatsi steps through the ropes knowing he’s no longer unbeaten.
At 32, he showed a depth of grit and determination that his carefully managed, often slow-moving career hadn’t previously demanded. Even so, it says a lot about his mindset that he refuses to entertain the idea of his reputation being enhanced by defeat.
Tip 1: Joshua Buatsi to beat Zach Parker by KO/TKO/Disqualification at 4/7 with bet365
It’s make or break for Joshua Buatsi at this stage in his career.
“JB” was expected to reach the very top of his ceiling as a light heavyweight after turning pro in 2017, but things haven’t gone to script, leaving the Croydon fighter frustrated with a lack of opportunities, and most recently, losing his unbeaten record.
Parker is a crafty opponent, but one that shouldn’t have the power or strength to trouble a proven durable Buatsi.
When Buatsi relaxes in the ring his shot selection is precise and spiteful, and as the rounds tick by we expect the favourite to start chopping down the Derbyshire fighter.
Buatsi is looking up, not down in the division, and he knows that if he can’t get a statement win on Saturday then the question marks over him will double in size.
Tip 2: Joshua Buatsi to win in Rounds 7-9 at 15/4 with bet365
Buatsi has 13 stoppage victories to his name throughout his eight-year pro career, closing the show between the 7-9th rounds on two previous occasions.
Parker isn’t a natural 175-pounder and we’re still not 100% sure how he will cope at the weight after a broken hand to John Ryder in 2022 and getting knocked down by Tyrone Zeuge in 2024.
Buatsi has the conditioning to go through the gears in the second half of the fight, and will expose Parker’s shortcomings as he throws caution to the wind.
Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker Odds
You've heard what we think, but what do the best betting sites think of this fight? The latest odds are below.
| Outcome | Best Odds |
| Joshua Buatsi | 2/11 |
| Zach Parker | 5/1 |
| Draw | 35/1 |
*Odds correct at time of writing, Friday 31st Oct 8:30pm, and are best available on the market.
Where to Watch Joshua Buatsi vs Zach Parker on TV
Whether you're following our betting tips or just taking an interest, this should be a great fight to watch.
Want to watch it? Here's how!
Live Stream
The action from Manchester will be streamed live via DAZN, so if you want to watch the fight then you'll need to subscribe to DAZN.
They've got monthly passes, or longer, to suit what you need as a boxing fan.
