UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a fight where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.
The officials had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my best display but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi said in the ring as he was faced disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt Parker, 31, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second loss of his 28-fight career.
The Champion Claims Win in Dull Encounter
His career development has plateaued in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during close exchanges.
The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to win the continental belt.
The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who died 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the last bell disappeared, the stillness became a chant of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the pair landed punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the intensity hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and courageous, all the qualities their idol the legend represented.
