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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to life under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.

The officials had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was faced negative reactions from the crowd.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, merited the win but the British boxer experienced the second setback of his 28-fight career.

The Champion Secures Victory in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through management issues and considerable time of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a calculated initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the better periods.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Contest

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester contest to capture the European light heavyweight championship.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet became a shout of "only one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring equaled the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured early, heavy swelling forming under his face as the pair traded powerful shots.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, everything their inspiration the legend represented.