British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The officials scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was greeted with disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, 31, merited the victory but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Dull Affair
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to take risks in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the cleaner periods.
The audience's tolerance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to secure the continental championship.
The venue fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as ten bells tolled in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the stillness gave way to a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his face as the pair traded hard punches.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.
Arthur barely secured the result with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and wider gap, but the two athletes were persistent and full of heart, exactly what their idol Hatton represented.
