British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling individual punches in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor said in the arena as he was faced disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Slow Affair
His career development has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the better periods.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.
The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi advances, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Battle
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The venue grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in remembrance 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 final chime faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring matched the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his position on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling developing under his face as the duo traded powerful shots.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and brave, exactly what their inspiration Hatton represented.
