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British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a judges' verdict in a tight ten-round contest at the boxing arena.

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest showing but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor commented in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts thought the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-bout career.

Buatsi Secures Victory in Uneventful Affair

The fighter's advancement has stalled in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a tentative early stages.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to edge the cleaner periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during clinches.

Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Fight

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry fight to win the European light heavyweight title.

The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the stillness became a shout of "there's just one Hatton".

The action during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the face in the second round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising appearing under his orbital area as the duo traded punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over the full distance.

The victor narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their hero the legend represented.