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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching marring the contest.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.

The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Match

The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent times through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.

Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with both competitors ready to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner periods.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during clinches.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight championship.

The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells rang in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition within the ring reflected the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook directly to the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his eye as the pair traded hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with scoring tallies of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but both fighters were persistent and brave, everything their inspiration the legend stood for.