British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level likely gained him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker had his moments, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the approaches failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the action.
The officials scored it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official 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 greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.
The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-match career.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Match
His career development has slowed in the past few years through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to overcommit in a calculated opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the cleaner periods.
The crowd's patience wore thin because of constant clinching, with the challenger going down various instances during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but several stanzas were hard to judge. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.
The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant homage before the fight as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime faded, the stillness gave way to a roar of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting inside the ropes matched the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the jaw in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters landed hard punches.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the decision with scoring tallies of 114-114, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were relentless and courageous, all the qualities their hero Hatton represented.
