UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the contest.
The officials judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They win," the victor commented in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.
Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the win but the British boxer suffered the second defeat of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Affair
His career development has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to be aggressive in a tentative early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner stanzas.
The audience's tolerance diminished during constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.
Parker closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Fuels All-Manchester Contest
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the European light heavyweight belt.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of local hero Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The competition within the ring matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was knocked down by a significant blow flush on the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged early, noticeable damage developing under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton represented.
