UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the fight.
The officials judged it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor said in the arena as he was met by boos from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Dull Affair
His career development has plateaued in recent years through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a calculated opening few rounds.
Parker, 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 the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the better stanzas.
The crowd's patience decreased amid constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during grappling.
Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels Manchester Derby Contest
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a excellent local rivalry contest to win the continental belt.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as 10 bells rang in honor of the city's native Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound disappeared, the quiet became a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The action within the ring matched the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the referee's count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the duo exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor narrowly won the result with official scores of 114-114, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, exactly what their inspiration the legend embodied.
