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British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

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

But the challenger found success, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the contest.

Two judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.

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

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts believed Parker, 31, merited the decision but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Affair

His career development has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to barely take the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance decreased during constant clinching, with Parker going down several times during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Hatton Homage Motivates Manchester Derby Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as ten bells rang in memory of the city's native Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch flush on the face in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.

But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured soon, significant bruising appearing under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the pace rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of even score, close margin and wider gap, but each competitor were relentless and brave, everything their idol Hatton represented.