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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.

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

"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They win," the victor stated in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts believed the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Victory in Uneventful Affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a calculated initial rounds.

The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second fight at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the better periods.

The spectators' acceptance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during clinches.

Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester contest to secure the European light heavyweight title.

The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as ten bells sounded in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.

It was the premier televised fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound disappeared, the quiet gave way to a shout of "there's just one Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow flush on the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the fighters traded punishing blows.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

Arthur barely secured the result with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, everything their hero Hatton represented.