British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing beginning to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a judges' verdict in a tight ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.
The officials scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor stated in the ring as he was faced boos from the crowd.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers thought Parker, 31, deserved the victory but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Earns Triumph in Dull Match
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to take risks in a calculated opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand in the contest, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the cleaner stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin during frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during grappling.
The underdog ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor moves on, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Fuels Manchester Derby Contest
In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry battle to capture the European light heavyweight championship.
The venue fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as ten bells tolled in remembrance of the city's native Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in recently.
It was the first major televised fight night in the location since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell ended, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The competition during the bout equaled the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow directly to the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters traded powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over the full distance.
Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of draw, 115-113 and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their idol the legend stood for.
