UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the contest.
Two judges had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the ringside as he was met by boos from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th career victory.
Various analysts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the decision but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Win in Slow Affair
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a calculated initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, the underdog had kept it close, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the cleaner stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were challenging to assess. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester fight to capture the European light-heavyweight belt.
The arena grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute prior to the bout as ten bells rang in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the count of eight.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was injured early, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur edged the decision with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and wider gap, but both fighters were persistent and brave, everything their idol Hatton represented.
