UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the contest.
Two judges judged it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor commented in the arena as he was faced negative reactions from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts thought the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Win in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with both competitors prepared to be aggressive in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury during the bout, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance diminished because of frequent holding, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during grappling.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the likes of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Fight
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the European light heavyweight championship.
The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving homage ahead of the contest as ten bells rang in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in September.
It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the final chime ended, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring matched the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was injured early, significant bruising forming under his orbital area as the duo exchanged hard punches.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over the full distance.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but each competitor were determined and courageous, everything their hero the legend stood for.
