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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming beginning to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the approaches never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.

The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts thought Parker, 31, merited the win but the British boxer experienced the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Claims Victory in Dull Encounter

His career development has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the better rounds.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.

Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry fight to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.

The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the quiet became a shout of "only one Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes matched the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the referee's count.

But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling appearing under his orbital area as the pair traded punishing blows.

Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and wider gap, but the two athletes were determined and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend stood for.