UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output appeared to earn him a split decision in a tight ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a match where the techniques failed to mesh, with frequent clinching disrupting the action.
Two judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was faced disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.
Various analysts thought the challenger, 31, merited the decision but the contender suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.
The Champion Secures Victory in Dull Affair
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a cagey initial rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the better periods.
The crowd's patience diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during clinches.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were hard to judge. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Fight
In the co-main event, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental belt.
The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial before the fight as 10 bells rang in honor of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the stillness gave way to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".
The action within the ring equaled the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook squarely on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling developing under his eye as the fighters traded powerful shots.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton represented.
