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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.

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

But Parker found success, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.

The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.

"It wasn't my finest display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the spectators.

The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second loss of his 28-bout career.

Buatsi Claims Victory in Dull Encounter

His career development has slowed in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a calculated early stages.

Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to edge the more effective periods.

The audience's tolerance diminished because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.

Parker closed well, but many rounds were hard to judge. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Homage Fuels Manchester Derby Battle

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry fight to win the European light heavyweight title.

The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.

It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the quiet became a roar of "there's only one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.

But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.

The victor narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, close margin and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, everything their inspiration the legend stood for.