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British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with excessive holding disrupting the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor said in the ringside as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers felt Parker, 31, deserved the victory but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Dull Match

His career development has stalled in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to overcommit in a calculated early stages.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner rounds.

The audience's tolerance decreased during regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor several times during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

The victor moves on, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Motivates Manchester Derby Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the European light-heavyweight championship.

The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of local hero Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "only one Hatton".

The action during the bout reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the referee's count.

But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his orbital area as the fighters traded punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

Arthur edged the decision with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, exactly what their idol Hatton embodied.