UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a even score.
"It wasn't my finest performance but what do champions do? They win," the victor commented in the ring as he was met by boos from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts believed Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second loss of his 28-fight career.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Match
The fighter's advancement has plateaued in the past few years through contract problems and long spells of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to edge the cleaner rounds.
The audience's tolerance diminished during constant clinching, with Parker going down several times during grappling.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
The victor advances, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental belt.
The stadium became quiet for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet gave way to a chant of "only one Hatton".
The fighting inside the ropes equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage forming under his orbital area as the duo exchanged hard punches.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and brave, exactly what their idol the legend represented.
