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British light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a tight ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the contest.

The officials scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts believed the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Earns Victory in Slow Encounter

The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

Parker closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the continental belt.

The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the silence gave way to a roar of "only one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring reflected the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the referee's count.

But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged early, significant bruising forming under his face as the fighters traded punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the result with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, exactly what their inspiration Hatton represented.