British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor stated in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the audience.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.
Various analysts thought the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Uneventful Encounter
His career development has stalled in the past few years through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a solid defense to narrowly win the better rounds.
The spectators' acceptance decreased because of constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.
Parker closed well, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the European light-heavyweight championship.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.
It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout matched the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the referee's count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured early, noticeable damage developing under his face as the duo exchanged hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, everything their hero the legend stood for.
