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

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a majority decision in a close 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.

The scoring judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts thought the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Claims Win in Dull Encounter

The fighter's advancement has stalled in the past few years through promotional disputes and long spells of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what feels like a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the more effective periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished amid regular grabbing, with Parker going down multiple occasions during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Hatton Homage Motivates Manchester Derby Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to capture the continental championship.

The stadium became quiet for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as 10 bells sounded in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.

It was the premier televised fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling developing under his orbital area as the pair traded powerful shots.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.