UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a close ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the action.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi said in the arena as he was faced boos from the spectators.
The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts thought Parker, thirty-one, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-match career.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was making just his second bout at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to barely take the cleaner rounds.
The spectators' acceptance decreased because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Contest
In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.
The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as ten bells rang in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "there's just one Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the face in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up soon, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the duo traded punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.
Arthur barely secured the decision with official scores of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and courageous, exactly what their idol the legend embodied.
