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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But Parker had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.

Two judges scored it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best showing but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.

The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second loss of his 28-bout career.

Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Match

Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers willing to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to edge the cleaner periods.

The crowd's patience decreased amid frequent holding, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during grappling.

Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Battle

In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester contest to secure the European light heavyweight championship.

The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as a bell ceremony rang in memory of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the silence gave way to a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting within the ring equaled the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch directly to the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured quickly, significant bruising developing under his orbital area as the pair landed punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity hardly diminished over the full distance.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were persistent and brave, all the qualities their hero the legend stood for.