Joshua Buatsi edges Zach Parker in controversial majority decision

The final entry in this 14‑month chronicle came on 1 November 2025 at the Co‑op Live Arena in Manchester, where light‑heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker battled over ten rounds.  Buatsi, an Olympic bronze medalist and rising star, started well but found himself outworked in the middle rounds by Parker’s movement and counters.  As fatigue set in both men traded momentum.  When the scores were announced the judges returned tallies of 95‑95, 96‑94 and 96‑94 in Buatsi’s favor, giving him a majority‑decision victory.

World Boxing News described the contest as a razor‑thin affair that could have gone either way.  Many ringside observers felt Parker had done enough, and WBN’s own scorecard favored him.  The result therefore sparked debate about judging standards and left Buatsi with questions despite the win.  Still, it kept his unbeaten record intact and positioned him for bigger fights.  The bout also featured an emotional moment as a ringside seat was left empty to honor British legend Ricky Hatton following his passing in September.  For British boxing fans, the fight closed a roller‑coaster year in which established stars fell, new champions emerged and the sport’s enduring drama remained undeniable.