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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the boxing arena.

But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.

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

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

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.

Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, deserved the win but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.

Buatsi Earns Triumph in Dull Affair

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in the past few years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.

He started carefully, with both competitors prepared to be aggressive in a calculated early stages.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to edge the more effective rounds.

The spectators' acceptance wore thin during regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.

Parker closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.

Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight belt.

The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as ten bells rang in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.

It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage forming under his orbital area as the duo traded punishing blows.

The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, close margin and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.