British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a close 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the styles never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the action.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts thought Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Affair
His career development has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to edge the better periods.
The crowd's patience decreased amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the continental championship.
The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout matched the emotion. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.
