🔗 Share this article

British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a majority decision in a close ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.

The officials judged it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the arena as he was greeted with boos from the crowd.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the contender endured the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Encounter

The fighter's advancement has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a cagey initial rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner periods.

The crowd's patience diminished amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific local rivalry fight to secure the European light-heavyweight title.

The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute before the fight as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising developing under his orbital area as the duo traded powerful shots.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were determined and courageous, all the qualities their hero the legend stood for.