UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a tight 10-round fight at the boxing arena.
But the challenger found success, delivering effective single shots in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the action.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my finest display but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi said in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, 31, merited the win but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with both competitors ready to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to barely take the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
Parker closed well, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
The victor moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Hatton Homage Inspires All-Manchester Contest
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent local rivalry fight to win the continental championship.
The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in remembrance of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the quiet gave way to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition during the bout matched the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the pair exchanged hard punches.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
The victor narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and brave, exactly what their idol Hatton represented.
