UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive start to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling individual punches in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second loss of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Dull Match
His career development has plateaued in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.
Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner periods.
The crowd's patience diminished because of regular grabbing, with Parker going down various instances during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the likes of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Fuels All-Manchester Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight title.
The venue became quiet for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as ten bells sounded in memory of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's just one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured early, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the fighters traded powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the decision with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and courageous, exactly what their hero Hatton stood for.
