UK light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output seemingly secured him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round bout at the Manchester venue.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the action.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was greeted with boos from the audience.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to secure a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts felt the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-match career.
The Champion Secures Victory in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the next star of British boxing, he now stands trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner periods.
The spectators' acceptance decreased during frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were hard to judge. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the caliber of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight
In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a outstanding local rivalry fight to win the continental championship.
The venue grew hushed for a profoundly moving homage before the fight as a bell ceremony sounded in memory of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the silence gave way to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook squarely on the face in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the referee's count.
But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was marked up early, significant bruising appearing under his face as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the verdict with scoring tallies of 114-114, close margin and 115-112, but each competitor were persistent and brave, all the qualities their idol the legend embodied.
