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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

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

"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor said in the ring as he was faced negative reactions from the audience.

The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th pro success.

Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the decision but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Slow Match

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to edge the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during grappling.

Parker finished the stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to secure the continental championship.

The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the last bell disappeared, the silence became a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring equaled the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the pace rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

The victor narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.