🔗 Share this article

British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to life under recent management with a unanimous decision over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the techniques never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the action.

The officials scored it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the ring as he was met by boos from the spectators.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th pro success.

Various analysts thought Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-match career.

The Champion Secures Victory in Slow Affair

The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent times through promotional disputes and considerable time of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

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

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner stanzas.

The audience's tolerance diminished during constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Local Rivalry Battle

In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a excellent local rivalry battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant memorial before the fight as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.

It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the stillness gave way to a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a significant blow flush on the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the pair landed hard punches.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but both fighters were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton represented.