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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing disrupting the action.

Two judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-fight career.

The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Match

His career development has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

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

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the better periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during grappling.

Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to secure the European light heavyweight title.

The venue became quiet for a deeply poignant memorial ahead of the contest as ten bells sounded in memory of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the quiet became a shout of "only one Hatton".

The competition within the ring equaled the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.

But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the fighters landed hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton embodied.