British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding spoiling the contest.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor stated in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts thought Parker, 31, deserved the victory but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-match career.
The Champion Claims Victory in Slow Encounter
His career development has slowed in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a calculated initial rounds.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to edge the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during close exchanges.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Local Rivalry Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to win the European light-heavyweight title.
The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.
But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the result with official scores of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their idol the legend represented.
