British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a close ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker found success, delivering effective clean blows in a match where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts felt the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second defeat of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Earns Triumph in Uneventful Affair
The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers ready to be aggressive in a calculated opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - working with the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Contest
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the European light-heavyweight title.
The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell ended, the quiet gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring equaled the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling forming under his face as the duo landed punishing blows.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the verdict with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and courageous, exactly what their hero the legend stood for.
