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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming beginning to life under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

The officials had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was faced boos from the spectators.

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

Various analysts believed Parker, 31, merited the decision but the British boxer suffered the second loss of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Earns Triumph in Slow Affair

His career development has slowed in recent years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what seems like a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a tentative initial rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The audience's tolerance decreased because of constant clinching, with the challenger going down various instances during close exchanges.

Parker closed well, but many rounds were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

The victor advances, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.

The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional tribute before the fight as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.

It was the premier televised match card in the city since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his feet on the referee's count.

But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up soon, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters traded powerful shots.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration Hatton embodied.