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UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective single shots in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the action.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor commented in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second loss of his 28-match career.

The Champion Earns Win in Dull Affair

His career development has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

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

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to edge the more effective stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Fight

In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry contest to capture the continental belt.

The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant memorial ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the silence gave way to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".

The fighting during the bout matched the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow squarely on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his position on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the duo landed hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.