UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a even score.
"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor stated in the ring as he was greeted with 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 twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer experienced the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Win in Slow Encounter
His career development has plateaued in recent years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a calculated early stages.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand mid-fight, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to barely take the cleaner periods.
The spectators' acceptance diminished during regular grabbing, with Parker going down several times during grappling.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Contest
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to capture the European light heavyweight championship.
The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell faded, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the pair exchanged hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
The victor narrowly won the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.
