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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.

But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the action.

The scoring judges judged it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor said in the arena as he was met by boos from the spectators.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th pro success.

Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, deserved the victory but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-match career.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Dull Match

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.

Earlier forecast as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to barely take the better rounds.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin during regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during clinches.

Parker closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi advances, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a excellent local rivalry fight to secure the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as 10 bells sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the stillness gave way to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The competition during the bout matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook directly to the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the duo traded powerful shots.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.

The victor narrowly won the result with official scores of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton embodied.