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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive beginning to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger found success, landing some telling individual punches in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the fight.

The officials judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest display but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi said in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.

The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Various analysts believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the win but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Dull Encounter

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a cagey early stages.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the more effective stanzas.

The crowd's patience decreased because of constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.

Parker finished the stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor advances, but with the caliber of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Battle

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime ended, the quiet gave way to a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow squarely on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, heavy swelling appearing under his eye as the pair landed hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.