Underwhelming Joshua Buatsi Defeats Parker in Manchester

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

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

But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.

The scoring judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.

"It wasn't my greatest showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was greeted with boos from the audience.

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

Several boxing experts felt Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the contender endured the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.

The Champion Earns Victory in Uneventful Encounter

His career development has plateaued in recent times through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.

Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to take risks in a cagey early stages.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.

By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the more effective periods.

The crowd's patience wore thin during frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during close exchanges.

The underdog closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.

The victor moves on, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still appears challenging.

Hatton Memorial Motivates Local Rivalry Fight

In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental championship.

The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells rang in honor of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.

It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the silence transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".

The action within the ring reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook flush on the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.

But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was marked up early, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the duo traded powerful shots.

Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but each competitor were persistent and full of heart, everything their hero Hatton represented.