British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's work rate appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a close 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling individual punches in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the fight.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but what do champions do? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to earn a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, deserved the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Secures Win in Dull Encounter
The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent times through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was participating in his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to barely take the cleaner periods.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but several stanzas were hard to judge. However, ex-champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates Manchester Derby Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a excellent local rivalry battle to secure the continental title.
The arena fell silent for a extremely emotional tribute before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the silence gave way to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook flush on the face in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, significant bruising developing under his eye as the pair landed punishing blows.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the decision with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, everything their idol the legend represented.
