British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's work rate appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They win," the victor stated in the ring as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-fight career.
The Champion Claims Victory in Dull Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to barely take the cleaner rounds.
The spectators' acceptance decreased during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Contest
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the European light heavyweight belt.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as 10 bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.
It was the first major televised match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, significant bruising appearing under his face as the fighters landed powerful shots.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the verdict with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.
