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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to his career under recent management with a points victory over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a close 10-round fight at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to earn a twentieth professional win.

Various analysts thought Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Encounter

Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.

Earlier forecast as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.

Parker, 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 appearance at light heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to edge the more effective rounds.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of regular grabbing, with Parker going down multiple occasions during close exchanges.

The underdog finished the stronger, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.

Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Fight

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness became a roar of "there's just one Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair traded powerful shots.

Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the intensity hardly diminished over the full distance.

Arthur barely secured the result with official scores of 114-114, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were persistent and brave, everything their inspiration Hatton embodied.