British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the action.
The scoring judges scored it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best performance but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was faced disapproval from the crowd.
The British fighter bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers thought Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a tentative early stages.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to edge the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance decreased during constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were difficult to score. Nevertheless, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels All-Manchester Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook directly to the face in the second round, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising developing under his face as the fighters traded punishing blows.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with scoring tallies of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and brave, exactly what their hero the legend embodied.
