British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding spoiling the contest.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts believed the challenger, 31, deserved the victory but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Secures Win in Dull Encounter
His career development has stalled in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to narrowly win the better stanzas.
The crowd's patience decreased amid frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to win the European light-heavyweight title.
The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as ten bells sounded in memory of local hero Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet gave way to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition within the ring matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling appearing under his orbital area as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of 114-114, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.
