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British light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

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

But Parker found success, delivering effective single shots in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the fight.

The officials had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi said in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the audience.

The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts thought Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Slow Match

The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the more effective stanzas.

The crowd's patience decreased because of frequent holding, with Parker going down various instances during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Hatton Memorial Motivates All-Manchester Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight belt.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as ten bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.

But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage developing under his orbital area as the duo traded punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.

The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of draw, close margin and wider gap, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their idol Hatton embodied.