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British light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to life under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a tight ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the fight.

Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a even score.

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

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers thought the challenger, thirty-one, merited the win but the British boxer suffered the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Triumph in Dull Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a calculated initial rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The audience's tolerance wore thin because of regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to secure the European light heavyweight title.

The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as ten bells rang in memory of the city's native Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound disappeared, the stillness gave way to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The action during the bout matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a significant blow directly to the face in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.

But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up soon, noticeable damage developing under his orbital area as the pair traded powerful shots.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.

Arthur edged the decision with official scores of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and brave, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.