British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive beginning to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a even score.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor commented in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Claims Win in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through management issues and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective rounds.
The audience's tolerance decreased amid constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Memorial Motivates Manchester Derby Contest
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester fight to secure the continental belt.
The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in recently.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the stillness became a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring matched the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage forming under his face as the duo traded punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.
