UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker found success, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the contest.
Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers felt the challenger, 31, merited the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second loss of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Secures Triumph in Dull Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He started carefully, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a tentative early stages.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to barely take the better rounds.
The spectators' acceptance decreased during constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the continental title.
The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells sounded in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the referee's count.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged early, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the duo landed powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor edged the decision with official scores of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, everything their inspiration Hatton embodied.
