British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the boxing arena.
But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful clean blows in a fight where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but how do champions respond? They win," the victor stated in the ringside as he was faced disapproval from the audience.
The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts thought the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the British boxer experienced the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He started carefully, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was participating in his second bout at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, making life awkward for the favorite, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the cleaner stanzas.
The audience's tolerance decreased amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Fight
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to win the European light heavyweight belt.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as 10 bells rang in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the quiet gave way to a chant of "only one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow squarely on the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling forming under his face as the duo landed powerful shots.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of 114-114, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, all the qualities their hero the legend embodied.
