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British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a close 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with excessive holding spoiling the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by boos from the spectators.

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

Several boxing experts thought the challenger, 31, deserved the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Triumph in Dull Encounter

His career development has stalled in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to take risks in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to barely take the better rounds.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates All-Manchester Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental belt.

The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound ended, the stillness gave way to a roar of "only one Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook flush on the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.

But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged early, significant bruising developing under his orbital area as the fighters landed powerful shots.

Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.

The victor narrowly won the result with official scores of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, everything their idol Hatton stood for.