Adrien Broner claimed a split decision victory over Adrian Granados in Cincinnati on his return to the ring after nearly a year out.
Broner, who spent time in jail since his last bout, took victory 97-93 and 96-94 on two of the judges' cards with good friend and sparring partner Granados being handed the decision 97-93 on the third.
The 27-year-old, who said he hurt his hand in the first round, had the better of the opening stages and Granados had to deal with a nasty cut on his nose after an accidental headbutt in the third round.
Broner (33-2-KO24) landed a series of heavy uppercuts, with his jab being affected by the injury, but Granados (18-5-2-KO12) responded well in the ninth when he cut the former four-weight champion.
But Broner, who ended that round looking the worse for wear, responded with a fast finish and claimed a narrow victory as he looks to get his career back on track.
"I knew that Adrian Granados was going to come tough," Broner said. "At the end of the day, I was beating him up. This was an easy one for me. I feel good.
"Inside this ring it's business. Granados is a great friend of mine. It's nothing personal.
"A lot of guys duck him, but I wanted to fight him because that's what I'm about. I hurt my left hand in the first round. Since then I couldn't throw my jab as much. That's why I had to stay inside. I couldn't use my jab but I adjusted."
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