British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the techniques failed to mesh, with constant grabbing disrupting the action.
Two judges scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor said in the ring as he was faced boos from the crowd.
The Londoner got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Secures Triumph in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was participating in his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, causing problems for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to barely take the more effective periods.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the likes of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent all-Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight belt.
The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet gave way to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was knocked down by a powerful punch directly to the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.
But the traditional red shorts of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, noticeable damage appearing under his face as the duo traded hard punches.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur edged the verdict with official scores of 114-114, narrow lead and wider gap, but both fighters were persistent and courageous, all the qualities their idol the legend represented.
