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British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a fight where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the action.

The officials had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was greeted with boos from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Slow Encounter

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

Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was competing in only his second bout at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the cleaner stanzas.

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

The underdog closed well, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires All-Manchester Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a outstanding local rivalry contest to win the continental title.

The arena fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the silence transitioned to a chant of "there's just one Hatton".

The competition during the bout matched the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.

The victor narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and brave, everything their inspiration the legend represented.