British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing beginning to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful clean blows in a match where the approaches failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They win," the victor commented in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts thought the challenger, thirty-one, merited the victory but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Slow Match
The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to edge the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Local Rivalry Fight
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental title.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells sounded in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch directly to the face in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the referee's count.
But the red-colored shorts of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up quickly, significant bruising forming under his eye as the pair traded powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the result with official scores of even score, 115-113 and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.
