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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

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

But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful clean blows in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best display but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.

The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Some ringside observers thought Parker, thirty-one, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Encounter

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what appears to be a last chance - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the better periods.

The audience's tolerance decreased during regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Local Rivalry Fight

In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester contest to win the continental championship.

The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet became a roar of "there's only one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up quickly, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the fighters traded hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.

The victor narrowly won the decision with scoring tallies of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, exactly what their idol Hatton represented.