British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a judges' verdict in a tight ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.
The officials judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor stated in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Encounter
His career development has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.
The audience's tolerance wore thin during constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during close exchanges.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to capture the European light heavyweight belt.
The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.
It was the premier televised match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "there's just one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling forming under his orbital area as the pair traded hard punches.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and brave, everything their inspiration Hatton represented.
