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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker found success, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the contest.

Two judges judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor said in the ring as he was faced disapproval from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers felt the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Win in Dull Match

His career development has plateaued in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second fight at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a protective stance to barely take the more effective periods.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the continental belt.

The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as ten bells rang in honor of the city's native Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound disappeared, the quiet became a chant of "only one Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up soon, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the pair landed punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.

The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, everything their hero the legend embodied.