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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming beginning to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the action.

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

"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor stated in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the crowd.

The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.

Various analysts thought the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the British boxer suffered the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Dull Match

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

Once tipped as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a tentative early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to edge the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.

Parker closed well, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.

The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Fight

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of local hero Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the silence became a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair landed hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the result with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and courageous, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.