UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight ten-round fight at the boxing arena.
But Parker found success, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.
Two judges had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor commented in the arena as he was greeted with boos from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers thought the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Win in Slow Encounter
His career development has plateaued in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to take risks in a calculated initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during close exchanges.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Fight
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific all-Manchester fight to secure the European light heavyweight title.
The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence gave way to a shout of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout matched the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow flush on the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged early, significant bruising appearing under his eye as the pair exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their idol the legend stood for.
