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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.

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

Several boxing experts believed Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Claims Win in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to barely take the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi advances, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the continental championship.

The venue became quiet for a profoundly moving tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet became a shout of "there's just one Hatton".

The fighting during the bout equaled the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the referee's count.

But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, significant bruising appearing under his orbital area as the pair landed punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with official scores of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration Hatton stood for.