British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight 10-round fight at the boxing arena.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the action.
Two judges scored it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They win," the victor commented in the ringside as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Secures Triumph in Uneventful Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to barely take the cleaner periods.
The spectators' acceptance decreased amid regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Fight
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental belt.
The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving memorial prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the location since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the result with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but both fighters were relentless and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.
