British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a split decision in a close ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But Parker found success, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the techniques didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the action.
The officials had it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the contender endured the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.
The Champion Earns Win in Dull Encounter
His career development has plateaued in recent years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the future of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a calculated initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the better periods.
The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with the challenger going down multiple occasions during clinches.
The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the European light-heavyweight championship.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the silence gave way to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".
The action within the ring reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a significant blow flush on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, significant bruising appearing under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the pace hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
The victor narrowly won the decision with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their hero Hatton represented.
