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British light-heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a tight 10-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching marring the action.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor said in the arena as he was faced disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers believed the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the British boxer experienced the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Uneventful Encounter

The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers ready to overcommit in a tentative early stages.

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

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the better stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with the challenger going down various instances during grappling.

The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor advances, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Fight

In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to capture the continental belt.

The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "only one Hatton".

The action during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage developing under his face as the pair exchanged powerful shots.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.

Arthur narrowly won the decision with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, exactly what their hero the legend represented.