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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful single shots in a match where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding spoiling the fight.

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

"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi said in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Claims Triumph in Dull Encounter

The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to edge the better stanzas.

The crowd's patience decreased during regular grabbing, with the challenger going down several times during clinches.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels All-Manchester Contest

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry fight to capture the European light heavyweight championship.

The venue became quiet for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as ten bells rang in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the stillness became a chant of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition during the bout matched the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his eye as the pair traded hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

The victor edged the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, exactly what their idol the legend embodied.