UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate likely gained him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker found success, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing disrupting the fight.
The officials judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best showing but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was greeted with boos from the audience.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers believed the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.
The Champion Claims Victory in Dull Affair
His career development has stalled in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was competing in only his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to edge the better periods.
The crowd's patience wore thin because of frequent holding, with Parker going down multiple occasions during grappling.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Contest
In the co-main event, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry fight to win the continental belt.
The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since Hatton's death. As the last bell ended, the stillness gave way to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook flush on the chin in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the referee's count.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up quickly, noticeable damage forming under his face as the pair exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur edged the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, everything their inspiration Hatton represented.
