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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the fight.

The officials judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi said in the arena as he was faced disapproval from the audience.

The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.

Various analysts believed the challenger, thirty-one, merited the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second loss of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Match

The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the better periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished during constant clinching, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Hatton Homage Inspires All-Manchester Contest

In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to secure the continental belt.

The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.

It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring matched the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured soon, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the duo exchanged hard punches.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

The victor barely secured the result with official scores of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, exactly what their idol the legend stood for.