British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with excessive holding spoiling the fight.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best performance but what do champions do? They succeed," Buatsi said in the arena as he was met by negative reactions from the crowd.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.
Various analysts thought Parker, 31, merited the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a calculated initial rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective stanzas.
The audience's tolerance decreased because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Manchester Derby Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific all-Manchester fight to win the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium grew hushed for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as ten bells rang in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since Hatton's passing. As the final chime disappeared, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.
But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage forming under his orbital area as the duo landed punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and brave, everything their inspiration the legend embodied.
