UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger found success, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the action.
Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was faced disapproval from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Claims Win in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to barely take the more effective periods.
The crowd's patience decreased because of frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Contest
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the European light-heavyweight belt.
The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute before the fight as ten bells tolled in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's only one Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook flush on the face in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the referee's count.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his eye as the pair traded hard punches.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.
The victor edged the result with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, exactly what their inspiration the legend represented.
