Buatsi wins narrowly on points – Arthur wins the European title and Cameron celebrates a strong comeback on the undercard.
Joshua Buatsi is back on the road to success! The British light heavyweight narrowly prevailed over compatriot Zach Parker on Saturday evening in Manchester after a hard-fought ten rounds. Buatsi won by majority decision and celebrated an important comeback victory under his new promoter Frank Warren.
Buatsi (20-1, 13 knockouts) had suffered his first career defeat to Callum Smith by unanimous points decision in February. The 2016 Olympian made an impressive comeback with his triumph over Parker (26-2, 18 knockouts) at the Co-op Live Arena.
After ten close rounds, judges Marcus McDonnell (96-94) and Salvador Salva (96-94) scored the bout in Buatsi’s favor, while Gregorz Molenda saw a draw (95-95). Buatsi thus secured a narrow but deserved victory and remains a factor in the British light heavyweight division.
Arthur shows fighter’s heart – victory after knockdown
Lyndon Arthur once again proved his toughness in the co-main event. The former WBO interim champion was knocked down in the second round against local rival Bradley Rea (21-2, 10 knockouts) after a hard left hook, but fought back impressively to win by majority decision over twelve rounds.
The judges Victor Loughlin (115-113) and Mark Lyson (115-112) scored in Arthur’s favor, while Lee Every (114-114) saw a draw. With this victory, Arthur secured the vacant European light heavyweight title.
Cameron with a strong comeback on the undercard
There was also a remarkable comeback on the undercard: Liam Cameron (24-7, 10 knockouts) clearly outpointed Troy Jones (13-2, 6 knockouts) and won by unanimous decision with scores of 96-94, 96-94 and 97-93, making up for his knockout loss to Ben Whittaker in April and returning to winning ways.