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

The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling individual punches in a match where the approaches never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the contest.

Two judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a even score.

"It wasn't my finest performance but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was faced disapproval from the audience.

The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.

Various analysts believed Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-match career.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Slow Match

Buatsi's progress has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the cleaner periods.

The audience's tolerance decreased during frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Hatton Memorial Motivates All-Manchester Contest

In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the European light-heavyweight title.

The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as 10 bells rang in honor of the city's native Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The action during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the decision with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and brave, exactly what their inspiration Hatton stood for.