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British light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming beginning to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was faced negative reactions from the audience.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers thought Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the British boxer endured the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Victory in Slow Affair

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a tentative initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner periods.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin because of constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi advances, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Memorial Inspires All-Manchester Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific all-Manchester fight to capture the European light heavyweight title.

The stadium grew hushed for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as 10 bells rang in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence transitioned to a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The action during the bout matched the emotion. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the fighters landed punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and brave, exactly what their idol the legend represented.