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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.

The scoring judges judged it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was greeted with boos from the crowd.

The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.

Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to edge the cleaner rounds.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during close exchanges.

Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Motivates Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental title.

The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the silence transitioned to a chant of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.

But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the duo landed hard punches.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the verdict with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton represented.