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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to life under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching marring the action.

Two judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-bout career.

Buatsi Secures Victory in Uneventful Match

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent times through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a calculated initial rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The crowd's patience decreased amid frequent holding, with Parker going down multiple occasions during close exchanges.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Motivates Local Rivalry Battle

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium became quiet for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound ended, the silence became a chant of "there's just one Hatton".

The action during the bout equaled the feeling. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.

But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the duo landed punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the result with official scores of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, everything their idol the legend embodied.