UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was faced disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to earn a 20th career victory.
Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Earns Victory in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent times through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin because of frequent holding, with the challenger going down various instances during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, 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 Bradley Rea by split-decision in a outstanding all-Manchester contest to secure the European light-heavyweight title.
The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who died aged 46 in September.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the silence gave way to a roar of "only one Hatton".
The action during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow flush on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, heavy swelling forming under his face as the duo traded powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, exactly what their inspiration the legend stood for.
