UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to his career under new promoters with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a close ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful individual punches in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The scoring judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor stated in the ringside as he was faced disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts thought the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer suffered the second loss of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Earns Triumph in Dull Match
His career development has plateaued in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a tentative initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to edge the better periods.
The crowd's patience diminished amid frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Fight
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental belt.
The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.
It was the premier televised match card in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring equaled the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow squarely on the jaw in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.
But the red-colored shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor narrowly won the verdict with official scores of 114-114, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton stood for.
