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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to life under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.

Two judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

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

The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts felt Parker, 31, merited the win but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Slow Match

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the cleaner stanzas.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.

The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi advances, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Battle

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a terrific local rivalry battle to capture the European light heavyweight title.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as 10 bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the silence gave way to a chant of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook directly to the jaw in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the pair traded punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.

The victor edged the verdict with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.