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British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to life under recent management with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker found success, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the approaches failed to mesh, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.

Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Slow Match

The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent times through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a protective stance to edge the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during grappling.

Parker finished the stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates All-Manchester Battle

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.

The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells rang in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow squarely on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the verdict with official scores of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their hero Hatton embodied.