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UK light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start 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 judges' verdict in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective single shots in a fight where the approaches failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the contest.

The officials scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best display but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the audience.

The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts thought the challenger, 31, deserved the decision but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Claims Win in Slow Match

His career development has slowed in recent times through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.

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

He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to be aggressive in a tentative opening few rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to edge the more effective stanzas.

The audience's tolerance decreased amid constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Homage Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester contest to capture the European light heavyweight championship.

The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the silence transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".

The action inside the ropes equaled the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook directly to the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the duo traded punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur edged the decision with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, everything their inspiration the legend represented.