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

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the techniques failed to mesh, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my finest performance but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the ring as he was greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.

Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a protective stance to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.

The spectators' acceptance decreased during regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor several times during clinches.

Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Motivates Manchester Derby Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the silence transitioned to a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting during the bout matched the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook directly to the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the eight count.

But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured soon, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the pair traded punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

Arthur barely secured the result with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, exactly what their idol Hatton stood for.