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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a decision win over Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful clean blows in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the action.

Two judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor commented in the ringside as he was faced negative reactions from the audience.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.

Some ringside observers felt the challenger, 31, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Dull Affair

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the future of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a calculated initial rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to edge the cleaner periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

The underdog closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

The victor advances, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires All-Manchester Battle

In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent all-Manchester contest to win the European light heavyweight title.

The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness became a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition inside the ropes equaled the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook flush on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the referee's count.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the duo landed powerful shots.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and courageous, everything their hero the legend represented.