UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a split decision in a close 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
Two judges judged it 96-94 for to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers believed the challenger, 31, merited the decision but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Win in Uneventful Affair
The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent times through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to be aggressive in a calculated opening few rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the cleaner periods.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin because of constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during close exchanges.
The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Battle
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight belt.
The stadium became quiet for a profoundly moving memorial before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.
It was the premier televised match card in the location since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence became a shout of "only one Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the duo traded hard punches.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the verdict with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.
