UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round fight at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a fight where the approaches never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the action.
Two judges had it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best showing but what defines champions? They win," the victor stated in the ring as he was faced disapproval from the spectators.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts believed the challenger, thirty-one, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Earns Win in Dull Encounter
The fighter's advancement has plateaued in recent times through management issues and considerable time of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to be aggressive in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was making just his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who operated with a protective stance to barely take the better rounds.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - working with the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Battle
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental title.
The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.
It was the premier televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime faded, the silence gave way to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the face in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.
But the red-colored attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with official scores of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but each competitor were persistent and courageous, exactly what their inspiration Hatton embodied.
