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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

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

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.

Two judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.

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

Some ringside observers thought the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Earns Win in Dull Affair

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was participating in his second bout at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.

The victor moves on, but with the caliber of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in honor of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the stillness transitioned to a chant of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes equaled the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow flush on the jaw in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon came forward again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters landed hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the decision with scoring tallies of even score, close margin and wider gap, but the two athletes were determined and brave, everything their hero the legend represented.