UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing debut to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger found success, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the contest.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor said in the arena as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Earns Victory in Dull Match
His career development has slowed in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to edge the better stanzas.
The audience's tolerance diminished because of frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.
The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Fight
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight title.
The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as ten bells rang in honor of local hero Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.
It was the first major televised match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the stillness became a shout of "there's just one Hatton".
The action inside the ropes reflected the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch directly to the face in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the pair landed punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the decision with official scores of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and brave, all the qualities their inspiration the legend represented.
