UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive beginning to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective single shots in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding spoiling the contest.
Two judges scored it 96-94 to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They win," the victor said in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts thought the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Uneventful Match
His career development has plateaued in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors willing to take risks in a calculated early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the cleaner stanzas.
The audience's tolerance diminished during regular grabbing, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Motivates All-Manchester Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light heavyweight belt.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native 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 final chime faded, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook directly to the chin in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage developing under his orbital area as the duo traded hard punches.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.
Arthur narrowly won the decision with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and wider gap, but each competitor were determined and brave, everything their inspiration the legend represented.
