British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the contest.
The officials judged it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my finest display but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was met by negative reactions from the crowd.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Earns Triumph in Slow Match
The fighter's advancement has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.
He started carefully, with the two boxers prepared to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to edge the cleaner stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished because of frequent holding, with Parker going down various instances during close exchanges.
Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the continental belt.
The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the jaw in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured early, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the duo exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over twelve rounds.
The victor barely secured the verdict with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.
