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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger found success, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the action.

The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.

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

The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers believed the challenger, 31, deserved the victory but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Claims Win in Slow Affair

His career development has plateaued in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a calculated initial rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the better stanzas.

The audience's tolerance wore thin because of frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.

The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Memorial Motivates Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to capture the continental title.

The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells rang in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet became a chant of "only one Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged early, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the duo exchanged powerful shots.

Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

The victor narrowly won the decision with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton stood for.