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British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round fight at the boxing arena.

But Parker found success, delivering effective individual punches in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the contest.

The officials scored it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.

Various analysts thought the challenger, thirty-one, merited the victory but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.

Buatsi Secures Win in Uneventful Match

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

Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the more effective stanzas.

The audience's tolerance decreased during constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.

The victor advances, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.

Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.

The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.

It was the first major televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet became a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch directly to the face in the second round, standing uncertainly to his position on the referee's count.

But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured early, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the duo traded hard punches.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, exactly what their hero Hatton embodied.