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UK light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the action.

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

"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor stated in the ring as he was faced boos from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Slow Encounter

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The audience's tolerance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.

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

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Fight

In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.

The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness gave way to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the pair exchanged punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

The victor edged the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their idol Hatton represented.