UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing beginning to life under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a split decision in a close ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, connecting with powerful single shots in a match where the techniques failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the contest.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best performance but what defines champions? They win," the victor commented in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt Parker, 31, deserved the win but the British boxer endured the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Victory in Dull Affair
Buatsi's progress has stalled in the past few years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to be aggressive in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to narrowly win the better periods.
The audience's tolerance wore thin during regular grabbing, with Parker going down various instances during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. Nevertheless, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Hatton Homage Inspires Manchester Derby Battle
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific local rivalry contest to secure the European light-heavyweight title.
The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in honor of the city's native Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness gave way to a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition within the ring equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a significant blow directly to the chin in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was damaged early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur edged the decision with official scores of even score, close margin and wider gap, but the two athletes were relentless and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton embodied.
