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

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a close ten-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the techniques never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Earns Triumph in Uneventful Encounter

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

Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a last chance - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished amid constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.

Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Memorial Motivates All-Manchester Fight

In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to capture the continental belt.

The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet gave way to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the feeling. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured early, heavy swelling appearing under his orbital area as the pair exchanged powerful shots.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the result with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, everything their idol the legend embodied.