British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding disrupting the fight.
Two judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-bout career.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Match
The fighter's advancement has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the cleaner rounds.
The spectators' acceptance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during clinches.
Parker closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Fight
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a terrific all-Manchester contest to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout matched the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up quickly, heavy swelling developing under his orbital area as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.
