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UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to his career under recent management with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a close ten-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.

Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor commented in the ring as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Match

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the more effective periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished during regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.

Parker closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

The victor advances, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester battle to win the continental championship.

The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the silence transitioned to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition within the ring matched the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook directly to the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged early, significant bruising forming under his face as the pair traded punishing blows.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of even score, 115-113 and wider gap, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, everything their idol the legend stood for.