British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive start to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a tight 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 constant grabbing spoiling the fight.
Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor commented in the ringside as he was greeted with disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts thought Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Victory in Slow Encounter
His career development has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second fight at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the better periods.
The audience's tolerance wore thin during regular grabbing, with the challenger going down various instances during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Hatton Memorial Inspires All-Manchester Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry contest to win the continental championship.
The arena fell silent for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the emotion. Arthur was floored by a significant blow directly to the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the fighters landed powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.
Arthur barely secured the result with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and courageous, exactly what their idol Hatton embodied.
