UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing start to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a judges' verdict in a competitive ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, connecting with powerful clean blows in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.
Two judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor commented in the arena as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.
Various analysts believed the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the win but the British boxer experienced the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.
The Champion Secures Win in Dull Affair
His career development has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and considerable time of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a calculated early stages.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a protective stance to barely take the more effective rounds.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor several times during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide for the challenger, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Local Rivalry Contest
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry fight to win the European light-heavyweight championship.
The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute before the fight as ten bells rang in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the stillness transitioned to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The action inside the ropes reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a significant blow squarely on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured quickly, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters traded punishing blows.
Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and 115-112, but each competitor were determined and courageous, all the qualities their idol Hatton stood for.
