Lackluster Buatsi Beats Parker in Manchester Bout

British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a split decision in a close 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the action.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts thought Parker, 31, deserved the decision but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a calculated initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to barely take the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with Parker going down several times during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Motivates Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light heavyweight belt.

The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the silence became a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the pair landed powerful shots.

Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over 12 rounds.

Arthur narrowly won the verdict with scoring tallies of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.