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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to his career under fresh promotional backing 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 bout at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger found success, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the contest.

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

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor said in the ring as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has slowed in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - maybe in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with the two boxers prepared to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to edge the better periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the continental title.

The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.

It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the silence became a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his orbital area as the fighters landed punishing blows.

Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.

The victor barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were persistent and brave, all the qualities their idol Hatton represented.