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British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a close 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But the challenger found success, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.

The officials scored it 96-94 to the winner, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my best performance but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was met by boos from the audience.

The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.

Some ringside observers believed Parker, 31, deserved the decision but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-bout career.

The Champion Secures Triumph in Dull Match

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.

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

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

The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the better periods.

The crowd's patience decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.

Parker closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Contest

In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.

The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the quiet became a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.

But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage developing under his face as the duo traded punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over twelve rounds.

Arthur barely secured the result with scoring tallies of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, exactly what their hero Hatton embodied.