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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a tight 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful clean blows in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.

Two judges scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the audience.

The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts thought the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Earns Victory in Dull Affair

His career development has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to barely take the better stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance decreased amid constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental championship.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as ten bells sounded in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the silence became a shout of "only one Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage forming under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur narrowly won the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.