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British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to life under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a fight where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

Two judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was faced boos from the spectators.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Slow Encounter

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent times through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.

Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to narrowly win the better rounds.

The crowd's patience diminished during constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during clinches.

The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor advances, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Motivates Local Rivalry Battle

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a excellent all-Manchester contest to win the continental belt.

The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony rang in memory of local hero Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the stillness gave way to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the referee's count.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured early, noticeable damage developing under his face as the duo exchanged hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and brave, exactly what their inspiration Hatton represented.