UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
Two judges scored it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was met by boos from the spectators.
The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, deserved the decision but the British boxer experienced the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.
The Champion Secures Win in Slow Encounter
His career development has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers ready to be aggressive in a tentative initial rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the better rounds.
The audience's tolerance diminished during regular grabbing, with Parker going down various instances during close exchanges.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Contest
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the European light-heavyweight belt.
The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime ended, the silence transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout matched the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the count of eight.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the fighters traded punishing blows.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
Arthur edged the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, everything their idol Hatton embodied.
