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British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a split decision in a close ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.

Two judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the audience.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, 31, merited the decision but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-match career.

The Champion Secures Win in Dull Match

His career development has slowed in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.

He started carefully, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was participating in his second fight at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to barely take the more effective periods.

The crowd's patience decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker going down several times during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

The victor moves on, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Fight

In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry contest to capture the continental championship.

The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute before the fight as a bell ceremony rang in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised fight night in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the silence became a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising developing under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.