British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding spoiling the action.
Two judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor stated in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.
The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the better periods.
The crowd's patience decreased because of regular grabbing, with Parker going down multiple occasions during close exchanges.
The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a outstanding local rivalry contest to win the continental belt.
The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound faded, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout equaled the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the duo traded punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over the full distance.
The victor narrowly won the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and wider gap, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.
