Disappointing Buatsi Beats Parker in Manchester Fight

British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close 10-round bout at the boxing arena.

But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.

The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was faced disapproval from the crowd.

The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.

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

Buatsi Claims Victory in Uneventful Match

The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.

Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.

He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the cleaner periods.

The spectators' acceptance decreased amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.

The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.

Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Contest

In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a terrific all-Manchester battle to capture the European light heavyweight title.

The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who died at age 46 in recently.

It was the premier televised match card in the location since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The fighting within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was knocked down by a significant blow flush on the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.

But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the pair landed punishing blows.

The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

The victor edged the decision with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, everything their hero the legend embodied.