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UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to life under recent management with a decision win over Parker in the Manchester arena.

The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.

But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a fight where the approaches didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the action.

The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor commented in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the crowd.

The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.

Various analysts felt Parker, 31, merited the decision but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Earns Triumph in Slow Encounter

His career development has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.

Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the cleaner stanzas.

The crowd's patience diminished because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.

Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.

The victor progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent all-Manchester battle to secure the continental title.

The venue became quiet for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as ten bells sounded in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in last month.

It was the first major televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the silence transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.

But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the pair exchanged powerful shots.

The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.

Arthur barely secured the verdict with official scores of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, exactly what their hero Hatton represented.