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British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Encounter

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to barely take the better stanzas.

The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker going down various instances during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental title.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the quiet gave way to a chant of "there's just one Hatton".

The action within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a significant blow directly to the face in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the referee's count.

But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured early, noticeable damage developing under his orbital area as the pair traded hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and wider gap, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, everything their inspiration Hatton stood for.