British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.
But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
The officials scored it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was faced disapproval from the crowd.
The British fighter got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer suffered the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Match
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in the past few years through management issues and long spells of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the cleaner stanzas.
The crowd's patience wore thin because of frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor several times during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific local rivalry battle to capture the continental belt.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness became a chant of "only one Hatton".
The competition within the ring reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook flush on the jaw in the initial stage, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling developing under his eye as the duo traded punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur edged the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and courageous, everything their hero the legend represented.
