UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a tight 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker found success, landing some telling individual punches in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was faced boos from the crowd.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, deserved the win but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Affair
His career development has stalled in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with both competitors ready to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to edge the better rounds.
The spectators' acceptance diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker going down various instances during clinches.
Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the continental belt.
The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute before the fight as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The fighting inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters traded hard punches.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of draw, close margin and wider gap, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, everything their inspiration the legend stood for.
