Chris Billam-Smith put his aspirations to become a two-time cruiserweight world champion back on track as he defeated Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision.
'The Gentleman', back in the ring for the first time since he lost his WBO title, was made to work however at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over a dozen rounds.
Billam-Smith, who last fought in November in his unification defeat to Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, was the pre-fight favourite to defeat 'Bulletproof' in North London.
But the Bournemouth native was taken the distance by a spirited turn from American Glanton, ultimately prevailing 116-113, 116-112 and 116-112 on the scorecards.
The latter, seeking to bolster his own credentials in a stacked cruiserweight division, did himself no disservice with an impressively industrious performance of his own.
Despite a bright start in the opening rounds however, where he backed up his rival onto the ropes multiple times, he could not find a way past Billam-Smith's endurance.
Two slips in the sixth and seventh rounds helped the home favourite regain the advantage, and the 34-year-old expertly managed a slugfest finale to seal a winning return.
The pair proved a fine curtain-raiser to a stacked undercard at The Ring's Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, headlined by Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn's grudge bout.
Even an apparent cameo for an Anthony Hopkins lookalike, dressed as his famed The Silence of the Lambs character Hannibal Lecter, could not distract from the action.
Billam-Smith will now look to take aim at another shot to regain the world crown he lost last year, with Ramirez, Jai Opetaia and Badou Jack all potential opponents.
DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle: How much does it cost?
DAZNThe DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle is now available to purchase.
The bundle will include two unmissable events starting off on May 2 with Ryan Garcia's clash with Rolando Romero. This main event will headline a card which also features Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez along with WBO and Ring Magazine Teofimo Lopez who defends his titles against Arnold Barboza Jr.
Then on May 3, WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez will face IBF titleholder William Scull for the undisputed super middleweight title in the new fight capital of the world Riyadh.
Fans can purchase both fights in the bundle for $90 in the US; £34.99 in the UK; and €39.99 in Europe. Click here for bundle prices in your country.
These two PPV events can also be purchased individually for $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; ROW - $24.99 per PPV.