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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful single shots in a fight where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.

Two judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what do champions do? They win," the victor commented in the ringside as he was met by boos from the audience.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, deserved the victory but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Encounter

His career development has plateaued in the past few years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter willing to overcommit in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a protective stance to edge the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance decreased because of regular grabbing, with Parker going down several times during close exchanges.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

The victor moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels All-Manchester Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of local hero Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the city since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. Arthur was floored by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.

But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured quickly, significant bruising forming under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.

Arthur barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, close margin and 115-112, but each competitor were relentless and courageous, all the qualities their idol Hatton embodied.