British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to life under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a close 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching marring the action.
The scoring judges scored it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was faced disapproval from the crowd.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Earns Win in Dull Encounter
His career development has slowed in recent times through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective rounds.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during grappling.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates All-Manchester Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent local rivalry fight to capture the continental championship.
The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound disappeared, the quiet gave way to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".
The fighting within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook flush on the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.
But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured early, significant bruising developing under his face as the pair exchanged hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and brave, everything their idol the legend represented.
