UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing beginning to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the action.
The scoring judges scored it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was faced boos from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Slow Encounter
His career development has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - maybe in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a calculated early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to barely take the better periods.
The audience's tolerance wore thin during regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during clinches.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout matched the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook flush on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.
But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured early, significant bruising appearing under his orbital area as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.
