British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to life under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a match where the styles didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.
Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, deserved the victory but the contender endured the second defeat of his 28-match career.
The Champion Secures Victory in Slow Encounter
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 British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to take risks in a cagey early stages.
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 appearance at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the cleaner rounds.
The audience's tolerance wore thin because of regular grabbing, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor advances, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Fight
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a excellent local rivalry fight to secure the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant memorial before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died at age 46 in September.
It was the premier televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook flush on the jaw in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured quickly, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the duo traded hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with scoring tallies of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.
