UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive beginning to life under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a tight 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker found success, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding disrupting the fight.
Two judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers believed the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the win but the contender experienced the second defeat of his 28-match career.
The Champion Secures Triumph in Uneventful Affair
The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a cagey early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the more effective periods.
The audience's tolerance wore thin because of frequent holding, with the challenger going down several times during grappling.
Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor moves on, but with the likes of hard hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Contest
In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific local rivalry battle to win the European light-heavyweight championship.
The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the final chime ended, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch flush on the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured soon, significant bruising appearing under his face as the pair traded punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the verdict with official scores of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, everything their idol the legend represented.
