🔗 Share this article

British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful clean blows in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.

The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor said in the arena as he was faced boos from the spectators.

The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Several boxing experts believed Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Claims Triumph in Dull Match

The fighter's advancement has plateaued in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.

He opened tentatively, with both competitors willing to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to barely take the better periods.

The audience's tolerance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with Parker going down various instances during close exchanges.

The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.

Hatton Tribute Fuels All-Manchester Contest

In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the continental championship.

The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".

The fighting within the ring reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the jaw in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising developing under his face as the fighters landed punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over twelve rounds.

The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and courageous, exactly what their idol the legend stood for.