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

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the contest.

The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my finest showing but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The British fighter bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the British boxer suffered the second loss of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Uneventful Encounter

Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a calculated initial rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to barely take the more effective periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates Local Rivalry Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific all-Manchester battle to capture the continental belt.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the final chime disappeared, the quiet gave way to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting during the bout matched the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the jaw in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the result with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were determined and courageous, everything their idol the legend embodied.