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British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the contest.

The officials judged it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was faced boos from the spectators.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers felt Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the British boxer suffered the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Uneventful Match

Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

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 John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the better rounds.

The audience's tolerance wore thin because of regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the continental title.

The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in September.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime ended, the silence gave way to a chant of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting within the ring matched the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the jaw in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured early, significant bruising developing under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the decision with official scores of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton embodied.