British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to his career under fresh promotional backing with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive ten-round fight at the boxing arena.
But Parker had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the action.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They win," the victor said in the ring as he was met by boos from the spectators.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, thirty-one, merited the victory but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Victory in Dull Affair
His career development has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second fight at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a solid defense to barely take the better rounds.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin during constant clinching, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during clinches.
The underdog ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires All-Manchester Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a outstanding all-Manchester fight to capture the European light heavyweight title.
The stadium fell silent for a deeply poignant memorial before the fight as 10 bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "only one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon advanced again. Across the ring, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged quickly, heavy swelling developing under his orbital area as the pair traded hard punches.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and brave, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.
