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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a tight 10-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the contest.

The scoring judges judged it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a even score.

"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the ringside as he was faced boos from the audience.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.

Various analysts believed Parker, 31, merited the win but the British boxer experienced the second loss of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Secures Triumph in Slow Encounter

His career development has slowed in recent times through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He started carefully, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the better rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin during constant clinching, with Parker going down various instances during grappling.

The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the European light heavyweight title.

The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the quiet became a chant of "only one Hatton".

The action within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a left hook squarely on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the eight count.

But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon came forward again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, noticeable damage developing under his face as the duo exchanged powerful shots.

Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the verdict with official scores of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their hero the legend embodied.