British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the approaches failed to mesh, with frequent clinching marring the fight.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the arena as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Various analysts believed the challenger, 31, deserved the decision but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-match career.
Buatsi Secures Win in Slow Affair
The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with both competitors willing to overcommit in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the more effective periods.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.
Parker closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - based on this performance - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Fight
In the secondary fight, Arthur overcame Rea by split-decision in a excellent all-Manchester battle to capture the European light heavyweight title.
The venue grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells sounded in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in recently.
It was the premier televised match card in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the silence became a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring reflected the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the pair landed hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were determined and brave, exactly what their inspiration Hatton embodied.
