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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming start to life under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a majority decision in a tight ten-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the action.

The officials judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the win but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.

The Champion Claims Win in Slow Affair

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with the two boxers willing to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, 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 worked behind a solid defense to barely take the better stanzas.

The audience's tolerance wore thin during frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during clinches.

Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Fight

In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to capture the continental title.

The venue became quiet for a deeply poignant memorial ahead of the contest as 10 bells rang in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.

It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime ended, the quiet became a shout of "there's only one Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was marked up soon, heavy swelling appearing under his eye as the duo traded punishing blows.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and wider gap, but each competitor were persistent and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.