UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the approaches failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest display but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor stated in the ringside as he was faced negative reactions from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.
Various analysts believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the win but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Affair
His career development has slowed in recent times through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to edge the more effective rounds.
The audience's tolerance diminished because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires All-Manchester Contest
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry battle to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.
The venue grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the stillness became a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The competition within the ring matched the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook flush on the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with official scores of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their hero Hatton represented.
