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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a match where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing 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 what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the decision but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Secures Win in Dull Match

His career development has plateaued in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the future of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the cleaner periods.

The crowd's patience diminished amid regular grabbing, with Parker going down several times during close exchanges.

The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the European light-heavyweight title.

The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving homage ahead of the contest as ten bells rang in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the city since Hatton's death. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured quickly, significant bruising developing under his face as the fighters traded punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of draw, close margin and wider gap, but each competitor were determined and courageous, all the qualities their idol the legend represented.