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UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing spoiling the contest.

The officials had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts felt the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-match career.

The Champion Earns Triumph in Dull Encounter

His career development has plateaued in the past few years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second fight at light heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the cleaner periods.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

Parker closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

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

Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry battle to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.

The venue became quiet for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as ten bells tolled in memory of local hero Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell ended, the stillness became a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the duo traded hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.

Arthur edged the decision with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration Hatton represented.