British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing start to life under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
The officials had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Secures Victory in Dull Encounter
His career development has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers willing to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to edge the more effective stanzas.
The audience's tolerance decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas multiple occasions during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by divided decision in a excellent local rivalry battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The arena grew hushed for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the final chime disappeared, the stillness gave way to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was floored by a left hook directly to the chin in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the result with official scores of 114-114, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton embodied.
