British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a split decision in a competitive 10-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the approaches failed to mesh, with frequent clinching disrupting the action.
Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor commented in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts thought the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the British boxer suffered the second loss of his 28-fight career.
The Champion Claims Victory in Slow Affair
The fighter's advancement has plateaued in the past few years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to barely take the cleaner stanzas.
The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during grappling.
The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester contest to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.
The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of Manchester's own Hatton, who died at age 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The competition during the bout equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.
But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was damaged early, significant bruising forming under his eye as the fighters traded punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.
