Underwhelming Buatsi Beats Zach Parker in Manchester Bout

British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger found success, landing some telling individual punches in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.

The scoring judges judged it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the arena as he was greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.

The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Encounter

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to edge the more effective stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

The underdog closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.

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

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.

The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant memorial before the fight as ten bells sounded in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured soon, heavy swelling appearing under his orbital area as the duo landed punishing blows.

Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the decision with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and courageous, exactly what their inspiration Hatton stood for.