British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a tight 10-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the contest.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor commented in the ringside as he was faced negative reactions from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second loss of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Uneventful Match
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent times through management issues and long spells of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.
He started carefully, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during frequent holding, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during close exchanges.
Parker closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to secure the continental title.
The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the stillness became a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The action within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook directly to the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the duo exchanged powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.
Arthur edged the decision with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton stood for.
