\n<\/p>\n
Buatsi’s progress has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.<\/p>\n
Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise – perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice – under new promotional backing.<\/p>\n
He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.<\/p>\n
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.<\/p>\n
By the halfway stage, Parker had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the cleaner rounds.<\/p>\n
The crowd’s patience wore thin amid frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.<\/p>\n
Parker finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton – commentating on Dazn – had it particularly wide in favour of Parker, giving Buatsi just one round. <\/p>\n
Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory – on this evidence – still looks steep.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n