British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching disrupting the fight.
Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest performance but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers believed the challenger, 31, deserved the decision but the British boxer endured the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Secures Win in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Motivates All-Manchester Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to secure the continental championship.
The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the silence transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout reflected the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow flush on the chin in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the referee's count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the fighters landed powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and brave, everything their idol Hatton stood for.
