🔗 Share this article

British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the action.

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

"It wasn't my finest performance but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi said in the ring as he was greeted with negative reactions from the crowd.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts believed Parker, 31, deserved the decision but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Dull Encounter

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

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the cleaner rounds.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.

Parker closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

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

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Contest

In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the silence transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook flush on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the referee's count.

But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up soon, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the duo exchanged hard punches.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, close margin and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their hero the legend embodied.