UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a tight ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my best showing but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor stated in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Slow Affair
His career development has plateaued in the past few years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to narrowly win the better periods.
The crowd's patience wore thin amid regular grabbing, with Parker going down multiple occasions during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Contest
In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to capture the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as 10 bells rang in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound disappeared, the silence became a shout of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the emotion. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, heavy swelling developing under his face as the pair landed hard punches.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton stood for.
