British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive beginning to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a tight 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a match where the approaches never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the fight.
The officials judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the British boxer experienced the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Dull Affair
The fighter's advancement has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and long spells of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to edge the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during clinches.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor moves on, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium became quiet for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who died at age 46 in recently.
It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a left hook squarely on the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.
But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured early, noticeable damage developing under his orbital area as the pair landed powerful shots.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.
Arthur edged the result with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration the legend stood for.
