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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker found success, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.

Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my greatest performance but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor said in the ringside as he was met by boos from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Secures Win in Dull Encounter

Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was making just his second bout at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.

The spectators' acceptance decreased because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels Manchester Derby Fight

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester contest to win the European light-heavyweight title.

The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook directly to the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured soon, significant bruising developing under his eye as the fighters traded punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

Arthur narrowly won the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and brave, exactly what their inspiration the legend stood for.