UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to life under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger found success, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the techniques failed to mesh, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor commented in the ring as he was greeted with negative reactions from the crowd.
The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Slow Affair
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner periods.
The crowd's patience diminished because of frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during clinches.
Parker finished the stronger, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to capture the continental title.
The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet gave way to a roar of "only one Hatton".
The fighting inside the ropes reflected the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.
But the traditional red shorts of Arthur soon advanced again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up quickly, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the pair landed hard punches.
The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over the full distance.
Arthur edged the result with scoring tallies of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton represented.
