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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a tight 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the fight.

The officials had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95 draw.

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

The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.

Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Earns Win in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a cagey early stages.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the better stanzas.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor advances, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Fight

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the European light-heavyweight title.

The venue became quiet for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the stillness gave way to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The action within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged early, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the pair landed hard punches.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the result with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, exactly what their idol the legend represented.