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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful single shots in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.

Two judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.

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

Several boxing experts thought the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Uneventful Encounter

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

Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a tentative opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to edge the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Contest

In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight championship.

The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in memory of local hero Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet became a chant of "there's just one Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes equaled the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising appearing under his face as the fighters traded hard punches.

Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.

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