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UK light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming start 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 majority decision in a tight 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful clean blows in a match where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing disrupting the action.

The officials judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the third a even score.

"It wasn't my best display but how do champions respond? They win," the victor commented in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.

The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Affair

Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the better stanzas.

The audience's tolerance diminished during regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Rea by split-decision in a excellent all-Manchester fight to secure the European light heavyweight title.

The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".

The competition within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow flush on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the referee's count.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.

Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, exactly what their idol Hatton stood for.