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UK light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing beginning to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.

Two judges scored it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor commented in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.

The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers thought Parker, thirty-one, deserved the win but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Encounter

The fighter's advancement has stalled in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second fight at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the better periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished amid frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Homage Fuels Manchester Derby Contest

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

The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The action within the ring matched the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged early, significant bruising developing under his eye as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the result with official scores of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.