British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming beginning to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was faced boos from the spectators.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.
Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Affair
His career development has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a last chance - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a tentative initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin during constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Fuels Local Rivalry Contest
In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a terrific local rivalry fight to secure the European light heavyweight belt.
The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial ahead of the contest as ten bells tolled in honor of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The action within the ring matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged early, heavy swelling developing under his orbital area as the pair landed punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were persistent and full of heart, exactly what their hero the legend embodied.
