British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive start to his career 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 split decision in a close 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger found success, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing disrupting the fight.
Two judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest performance but what do champions do? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was faced negative reactions from the crowd.
The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th career victory.
Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Affair
His career development has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight 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, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the more effective periods.
The crowd's patience diminished because of regular grabbing, with Parker going down multiple occasions during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Contest
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a terrific all-Manchester battle to win the European light heavyweight belt.
The stadium grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the silence transitioned to a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch directly to the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.
But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters landed powerful shots.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor barely secured the result with scoring tallies of even score, close margin and wider gap, but both fighters were persistent and full of heart, exactly what their hero the legend represented.
