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British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing disrupting the fight.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 for to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They win," the victor stated in the ring as he was met by boos from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.

Various analysts thought the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Encounter

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to be aggressive in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin amid frequent holding, with Parker going down several times during close exchanges.

The underdog closed well, but many rounds were hard to judge. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.

The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime ended, the stillness became a shout of "there's only one Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow directly to the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising developing under his eye as the fighters traded punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton represented.