British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round fight at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding spoiling the fight.
Two judges judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi said in the arena as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Earns Victory in Slow Match
His career development has plateaued in recent times through contract problems and long spells of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective periods.
The spectators' acceptance diminished amid frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during close exchanges.
The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific all-Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight championship.
The venue became quiet for a profoundly moving memorial ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of the city's native Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in recently.
It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet gave way to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes matched the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook flush on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the referee's count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage forming under his face as the duo landed powerful shots.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor narrowly won the decision with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and 115-112, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration Hatton stood for.
