British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective single shots in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.
Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.
The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, 31, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He started carefully, with neither fighter ready to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during constant clinching, with the challenger going down various instances during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the European light heavyweight belt.
The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The action inside the ropes equaled the feeling. Arthur was floored by a significant blow flush on the chin in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising developing under his face as the duo landed punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were persistent and brave, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton represented.
