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UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to life under recent management with a points victory over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the techniques failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.

Two judges scored it 96-94 to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor said in the ringside as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.

Various analysts thought the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Earns Win in Slow Encounter

His career development has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - maybe in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to overcommit in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the cleaner periods.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the continental title.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.

It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "there's just one Hatton".

The action during the bout equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a significant blow flush on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up early, significant bruising forming under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and brave, everything their hero Hatton embodied.