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UK light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful clean blows in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor commented in the arena as he was met by negative reactions from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th career victory.

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

Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.

Once tipped as the future of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to be aggressive in a tentative opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of constant clinching, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires All-Manchester Battle

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.

The arena became quiet for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition within the ring matched the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.

But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up soon, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the pair exchanged powerful shots.

Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton represented.