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British light-heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close 10-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling individual punches in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the fight.

Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor said in the arena as he was greeted with boos from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight career.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Slow Encounter

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to overcommit in a calculated early stages.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the better periods.

The crowd's patience wore thin during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during clinches.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the continental belt.

The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as ten bells rang in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring matched the emotion. Arthur was floored by a significant blow squarely on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured soon, heavy swelling appearing under his eye as the fighters landed hard punches.

Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with official scores of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and courageous, exactly what their idol Hatton stood for.