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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive start to life under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the action.

The officials judged it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the ringside as he was met by boos from the spectators.

The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers believed the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Earns Win in Uneventful Encounter

His career development has stalled in recent times through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the better periods.

The crowd's patience wore thin because of constant clinching, with the challenger going down various instances during clinches.

The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.

Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry fight to secure the European light heavyweight belt.

The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as ten bells sounded in remembrance of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.

It was the premier televised match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the stillness became a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The action within the ring equaled the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook directly to the jaw in the second round, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair exchanged hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.

Arthur edged the result with scoring tallies of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, exactly what their hero Hatton represented.