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British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to life under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the techniques failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the fight.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was faced negative reactions from the crowd.

The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Earns Triumph in Slow Affair

The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to overcommit in a cagey early stages.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.

The spectators' acceptance decreased because of regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Battle

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the continental championship.

The arena fell silent for a deeply poignant memorial ahead of the contest as 10 bells sounded in honor of the city's native Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".

The fighting inside the ropes equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up soon, noticeable damage developing under his face as the pair landed hard punches.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.

Arthur edged the decision with scoring tallies of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, everything their hero Hatton represented.