UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing start to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win 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 fight at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the fight.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the ringside as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts thought Parker, thirty-one, merited the decision but the British boxer experienced the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Encounter
His career development has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during clinches.
The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry fight to capture the continental title.
The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as 10 bells rang in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the city since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound ended, the silence gave way to a shout of "there's just one Hatton".
The competition within the ring equaled the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the pair exchanged powerful shots.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and courageous, everything their idol Hatton embodied.
