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UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But Parker found success, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.

Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.

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

The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.

Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, merited the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Claims Triumph in Slow Match

His career development has plateaued in recent years through management issues and considerable time of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers ready to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the better periods.

The crowd's patience diminished amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Motivates All-Manchester Contest

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

The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in recently.

It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes matched the emotion. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook directly to the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the referee's count.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the duo exchanged hard punches.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were relentless and courageous, exactly what their inspiration the legend represented.