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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming beginning to life under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They win," the victor stated in the ringside as he was faced boos from the spectators.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts believed the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Affair

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

Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second bout at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

The victor advances, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Hatton Memorial Motivates Local Rivalry Battle

In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to capture the European light-heavyweight championship.

The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as ten bells tolled in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in September.

It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the quiet gave way to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.

But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising developing under his orbital area as the duo traded powerful shots.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.

The victor edged the decision with official scores of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.