British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's work rate likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful clean blows in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The officials scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor stated in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Earns Win in Dull Match
The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to barely take the cleaner rounds.
The spectators' acceptance decreased during frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Local Rivalry Contest
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a excellent all-Manchester battle to secure the continental title.
The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving tribute before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet gave way to a chant of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook directly to the jaw in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage forming under his orbital area as the fighters exchanged hard punches.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.
Arthur barely secured the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and brave, all the qualities their hero Hatton stood for.
