UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the action.
Two judges had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest showing but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi said in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the crowd.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to earn a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers thought the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Earns Victory in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through management issues and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He started carefully, with the two boxers willing to take risks in a cagey early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective periods.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Fuels All-Manchester Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent local rivalry contest to capture the European light-heavyweight title.
The venue grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime ended, the quiet gave way to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow flush on the jaw in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the referee's count.
But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the duo traded punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were persistent and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend represented.
