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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my finest performance but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the ring as he was faced disapproval 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 career victory.

Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Affair

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent times through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose only previous defeat 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 bout at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with Parker going down various instances during clinches.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Contest

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to win the European light heavyweight championship.

The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional homage before the fight as 10 bells tolled in honor of the city's native Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch directly to the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising appearing under his orbital area as the pair landed punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were persistent and courageous, exactly what their inspiration the legend stood for.