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UK light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming beginning to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching disrupting the fight.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers thought Parker, 31, merited the decision but the British boxer endured the second setback of his 28-bout career.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Dull Encounter

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a last chance - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a calculated early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to barely take the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.

The underdog closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

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

Hatton Memorial Fuels Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester contest to secure the European light-heavyweight title.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook squarely on the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, significant bruising developing under his eye as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of draw, close margin and 115-112, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, exactly what their inspiration the legend embodied.