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British light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate seemingly secured him a majority decision in a close 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the contest.

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

"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor said in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.

The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the decision but the British boxer experienced the second setback of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Match

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent times through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers ready to overcommit in a tentative initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the more effective stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger going down several times during grappling.

Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific local rivalry battle to secure the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in memory of local hero Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness gave way to a chant of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the count of eight.

But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged early, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the fighters landed powerful shots.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

Arthur barely secured the decision with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, exactly what their hero the legend stood for.