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British light-heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a close 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.

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

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor said in the arena as he was greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.

The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts felt the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.

The Champion Claims Win in Slow Affair

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 British boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the more effective rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.

Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still appears challenging.

Hatton Memorial Motivates All-Manchester Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the European light heavyweight championship.

The venue grew hushed for a extremely emotional memorial ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the final chime ended, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting within the ring equaled the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage developing under his face as the duo traded powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the decision with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were persistent and brave, exactly what their hero Hatton represented.