British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the action.
The officials judged it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor commented in the arena as he was met by boos from the crowd.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the next star of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second bout at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective periods.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Contest
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.
The venue grew hushed for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet gave way to a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the feeling. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the jaw in the second round, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the duo traded punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.
