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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.

The scoring judges had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the third a even score.

"It wasn't my finest display but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the ring as he was faced disapproval from the spectators.

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

Various analysts thought the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Claims Victory in Uneventful Match

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through management issues and considerable time of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to edge the more effective periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during clinches.

The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Battle

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the European light heavyweight championship.

The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the last bell faded, the stillness gave way to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes equaled the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.

But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage developing under his face as the pair exchanged hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

The victor barely secured the result with scoring tallies of even score, close margin and wider gap, but both fighters were relentless and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton embodied.