UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling individual punches in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding spoiling the action.
Two judges judged it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-match career.
The Champion Claims Win in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a tentative early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective rounds.
The audience's tolerance decreased because of constant clinching, with Parker going down various instances during grappling.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the European light heavyweight belt.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised fight night in the city since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured early, heavy swelling appearing under his eye as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor narrowly won the decision with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration the legend embodied.
