🔗 Share this article

British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing beginning to life under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But Parker had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the techniques never quite clicked, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.

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

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts believed the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight career.

Buatsi Secures Triumph in Uneventful Match

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the better periods.

The audience's tolerance decreased because of regular grabbing, with the challenger going down various instances during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Contest

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental championship.

The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as 10 bells rang in memory of the city's native Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.

It was the premier televised fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the stillness gave way to a chant of "only one Hatton".

The fighting during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up early, significant bruising forming under his eye as the pair landed hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and brave, everything their idol Hatton represented.