UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.
But Parker found success, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the contest.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They prevail," the victor commented in the ring as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the victory but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Affair
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to take risks in a tentative early stages.
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 fight at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the more effective periods.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during close exchanges.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight belt.
The arena fell silent for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as 10 bells tolled in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook flush on the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the pair landed hard punches.
Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur edged the result with official scores of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were relentless and brave, all the qualities their hero the legend embodied.
