British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing beginning to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a match where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding spoiling the contest.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor stated in the arena as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, 31, deserved the decision but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the better periods.
The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during close exchanges.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Contest
In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester contest to win the European light heavyweight title.
The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the silence transitioned to a roar of "only one Hatton".
The action within the ring matched the emotion. The eventual winner was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the duo landed hard punches.
Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.
The victor edged the result with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and brave, everything their hero the legend stood for.
