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UK light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful clean blows in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the arena as he was greeted with boos from the crowd.

The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers thought the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Secures Triumph in Slow Encounter

The fighter's advancement has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to take risks in a cagey initial rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The crowd's patience diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires All-Manchester Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light heavyweight championship.

The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured early, heavy swelling developing under his face as the duo traded punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.

The victor edged the result with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton embodied.