British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing debut to his career under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a close ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful clean blows in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi said in the ring as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers felt the challenger, 31, deserved the decision but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Claims Win in Slow Match
His career development has slowed in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to take risks in a tentative early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to narrowly win the better stanzas.
The audience's tolerance decreased amid frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during close exchanges.
Parker closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Contest
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific local rivalry fight to secure the European light heavyweight title.
The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional memorial ahead of the contest as 10 bells sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who died at age 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the silence became a roar of "only one Hatton".
The action within the ring reflected the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, heavy swelling forming under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor edged the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, exactly what their idol Hatton embodied.
