British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with constant grabbing disrupting the fight.
The officials scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best performance but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi said in the ring as he was met by boos from the spectators.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Match
The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers ready to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to barely take the more effective periods.
The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates All-Manchester Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific local rivalry battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial prior to the bout as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The action within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising developing under his orbital area as the fighters traded powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, everything their inspiration the legend embodied.
