UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the styles never quite clicked, with excessive holding disrupting the action.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor said in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Uneventful Affair
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent times through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - maybe in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was making just his second bout at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the more effective rounds.
The crowd's patience diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester contest to secure the continental championship.
The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.
It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the stillness became a shout of "only one Hatton".
The action inside the ropes equaled the feeling. Arthur was floored by a significant blow directly to the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.
But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up soon, heavy swelling developing under his face as the pair landed punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor barely secured the decision with official scores of even score, 115-113 and wider gap, but each competitor were relentless and brave, all the qualities their inspiration the legend represented.
