As the chill of November settles over the industrial heartland of the UK, the Co-op Live Arena is set to ignite with the crackle of leather on flesh. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker collide in a domestic dust-up that could redefine the light heavyweight landscape. Billed as “Lights Out,” this Queensberry Promotions extravaganza pits two resilient warriors—both nursing a single defeat—against each other for the WBA International light heavyweight title. It’s a fight laced with redemption, rivalry, and the promise of a shot at the elite.
Buatsi (19-1, 13 KOs), the 32-year-old Londoner and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, enters this bout with fire in his veins. His unanimous decision loss to Callum Smith in February 2025, aboard the Beterbiev-Bivol II undercard in Riyadh, shattered his WBO interim title dreams but didn’t dim his star. That gritty performance, where he dropped Smith en route to a razor-close defeat, earned him plaudits for heart and skill. Signing with Frank Warren’s Queensberry stable post-loss, Buatsi makes his debut under the banner, eager to silence doubters. “I’ve got no comfort in that loss,” he declared at Thursday’s presser, his trademark shaggy beard and pink cap belying the intensity in his eyes. “BoxRec says L. That’s all that matters. Saturday is my reset.”
Standing opposite is Zach Parker (26-1, 18 KOs), the 31-year-old from Derbyshire, whose career has been a testament to perseverance. Parker’s sole blemish came in November 2022, an injury-forced stoppage against John Ryder in a WBO interim super middleweight title clash. Since then, he’s reeled off four straight wins, methodically climbing the 175-pound ranks—currently No. 3 with the WBO. A switch to light heavyweight has unlocked his power, with 18 knockouts underscoring his threat. “This is career-defining,” Parker admitted this week, reflecting on a camp unmarred by the injuries and cancellations that once plagued him. “Straightforward prep, massive stage. I’m taking it with both hands.” At 5’11” with a puncher’s build, Parker matches Buatsi’s orthodox stance but cedes two inches in height and reach, setting up a classic inside-out battle.
The stakes? Sky-high. The victor could line up against the winner of David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde, a blockbuster lurking on the horizon. For Buatsi, it’s a must-win to reclaim momentum toward undisputed contention; for Parker, a statement that his super middleweight setbacks are ancient history. Tale of the tape favors Buatsi slightly—6’3″ frame, 78-inch reach—but Parker’s 69% knockout ratio screams danger. Expect Buatsi to use footwork and jabs early, probing for openings, while Parker stalks with hooks, aiming to turn it into a war.
The full card, stacked with light heavyweight intrigue, promises a feast for fans. Co-main event sees Bradley Rea (21-1, 10 KOs) defend his European title against Lyndon Arthur (24-3, 16 KOs) in a 12-round grudge match. Rea, the undefeated-in-title-fights Belfast brawler, faces Arthur’s slick boxing in what could steal the show. Below them, Daniel Lapin (10-0, 7 KOs) risks his IBF Intercontinental and WBO International belts against Troy Jones (13-1, 6 KOs) over 10 rounds. Rising stars like Liam Cameron (23-7-1, 10 KOs) vs. the unbeaten Billy Deniz (13-0, 5 KOs) round out a prelim-heavy bill primed for upsets.
Accessibility is key in this digital age, and Queensberry ensures no fan’s left ringside. Prelims kick off at 9:00 AM PT/ET on Saturday, November 1, streaming live and free on YouTube via the official DAZN and Queensberry channels—perfect for catching early fireworks like Deniz’s prowl for a statement KO. The main card follows at 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. GMT) exclusively on DAZN, with Buatsi-Parker ring walks slated for around 6:00 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. GMT). Weigh-ins yesterday saw both men hit 174.75 pounds bang on the 175-pound limit, faces inches apart in tense staredowns.
This isn’t just a fight; it’s a crossroads for British boxing’s glamour division. Buatsi, the polished prospect turned proven contender, versus Parker, the comeback king hungry for glory. Manchester’s faithful, still buzzing from heavyweight epics, pack the 23,500-seat arena expecting brutality and brilliance. Will Buatsi’s pedigree prevail, or will Parker’s grit grind him down? One thing’s certain: When the bell tolls, the lights go out on excuses. Tune in—history awaits.
