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British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to life under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the fight.

Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my finest display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was faced boos from the spectators.

The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.

Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, merited the win but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Claims Win in Slow Encounter

His career development has plateaued in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He started carefully, with both competitors willing to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was participating in his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during clinches.

Parker closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Hatton Homage Fuels Local Rivalry Battle

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific local rivalry battle to capture the European light-heavyweight championship.

The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness became a chant of "only one Hatton".

The competition during the bout equaled the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.

But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling forming under his face as the duo exchanged hard punches.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.