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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the fight.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with negative reactions from the crowd.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers thought Parker, thirty-one, merited the win but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-match career.

The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Match

His career development has plateaued in recent years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the better rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes equaled the emotion. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch directly to the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.

But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up early, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the pair traded punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and courageous, everything their idol the legend represented.