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British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the fight.

The officials scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts thought Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-match career.

The Champion Earns Victory in Dull Affair

His career development has stalled in the past few years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to overcommit in a calculated initial rounds.

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second bout at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during close exchanges.

Parker closed well, but several stanzas were hard to judge. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the European light-heavyweight title.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in recently.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime ended, the silence transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".

The action inside the ropes reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow flush on the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling forming under his face as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the result with scoring tallies of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their idol the legend represented.