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UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.

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

"It wasn't my greatest performance but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor said in the arena as he was met by boos from the audience.

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

Various analysts believed the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Win in Dull Encounter

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 feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the better periods.

The crowd's patience diminished during frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Contest

In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.

The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells rang in remembrance of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a significant blow flush on the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the result with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their idol the legend stood for.