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British light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive beginning to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger found success, delivering effective single shots in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.

The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts believed the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Claims Win in Uneventful Match

The fighter's advancement has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.

The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Fight

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester contest to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon came forward again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage forming under his face as the duo traded powerful shots.

Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their idol Hatton stood for.