UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive beginning to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with excessive holding disrupting the action.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest performance but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was faced boos from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, deserved the decision but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner rounds.
The audience's tolerance diminished during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Contest
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the European light-heavyweight belt.
The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of local hero Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet became a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, significant bruising developing under his eye as the pair exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton embodied.
