UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet disappointing debut to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a close ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching spoiling the fight.
The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with Callum Smith in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the win but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Earns Win in Slow Match
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with both competitors ready to be aggressive in a calculated initial rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was making just his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the more effective periods.
The audience's tolerance diminished amid constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during clinches.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi moves on, but with the presence of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Fuels All-Manchester Fight
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding all-Manchester battle to win the European light-heavyweight championship.
The stadium grew hushed for a profoundly moving tribute ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "only one Hatton".
The action inside the ropes matched the emotion. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the face in the initial stage, rising shakily to his footing on the referee's count.
But the Manchester United-red shorts of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, the opponent - in competitive blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the fighters traded powerful shots.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the decision with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and wider gap, but both fighters were persistent and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend stood for.
