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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive beginning to life under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a close 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the contest.

The officials scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was faced boos from the audience.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a tentative early stages.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance decreased amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.

Parker closed well, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.

The victor advances, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Battle

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry contest to secure the European light heavyweight championship.

The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence became a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up soon, significant bruising developing under his face as the pair traded hard punches.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and wider gap, but each competitor were relentless and brave, everything their idol the legend embodied.