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UK light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to life under recent management with a unanimous decision over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a tight ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But Parker found success, delivering effective single shots in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the contest.

Two judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor said in the ringside as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.

The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.

Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Earns Victory in Uneventful Match

The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to edge the cleaner rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger going down various instances during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor advances, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Fight

In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the European light-heavyweight title.

The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the quiet gave way to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair landed hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, exactly what their hero Hatton embodied.