JOSHUA BUATSI was left stunned by one ex-world champion’s scorecard following his win over Zach Parker on Saturday night in Manchester.
The two light-heavyweights met in Queensberry’s main event at the Co-op Live Arena, with world title ambitions on the line. Making his promotional debut for Queensberry, Buatsi was awarded a controversial majority decision after 10 forgettable rounds.
Judges Marcus McDonnell and Salvador Salva scored the bout 96-94 for Buatsi, 20-1 (13 KOs), while Grzegorz Molenda had it level at 95-95. However, according to the Boxing News app, 75 per cent of users had Parker, 26-2 (18 KOs), winning, with only 8 per cent scoring it for Buatsi and 17 per cent calling it a draw.
The general consensus among fans and pundits was that Parker had done enough to take it, producing an elusive, shot-picking display that often frustrated Buatsi. Scoring the fight ringside for broadcaster DAZN, former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton saw it emphatically in Parker’s favour.
Speaking to BoxNation in the ring afterwards, Buatsi reflected on a frustrating night.
“We’re here to box, to fight, not be on the floor –– who knows how many times. When I’m training, I’m not practising to be on the floor. So, a bit frustrating, but we got the win.”
Buatsi was then told that Frampton had scored the contest nine rounds to one (99-91) for the Derby fighter.
“Nine-one? Say less. No comment to that.”
When asked if he thought Frampton’s scorecard was unfair, the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist added:
“What do you think based on my response?”
