British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive beginning to life under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.
But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful single shots in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching disrupting the fight.
The officials judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the audience.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers believed the challenger, 31, merited the win but the contender endured the second defeat of his 28-fight career.
The Champion Earns Triumph in Slow Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the better periods.
The crowd's patience diminished during frequent holding, with the challenger going down various instances during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Fight
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony rang in honor of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the stillness transitioned to a chant of "only one Hatton".
The competition within the ring equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his position on the eight count.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured soon, significant bruising developing under his face as the duo traded hard punches.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over the full distance.
Arthur narrowly won the result with official scores of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, everything their idol Hatton stood for.
