British light-heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming debut to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker had his moments, landing some telling individual punches in a fight where the approaches didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching disrupting the contest.
The officials had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They succeed," Buatsi stated in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the audience.
The British fighter bounced back after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Secures Win in Uneventful Encounter
His career development has stalled in the past few years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who worked behind a protective stance to edge the cleaner periods.
The spectators' acceptance diminished because of constant clinching, with Parker going down various instances during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, giving Buatsi just a single round.
The victor advances, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental championship.
The arena became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells rang in memory of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the silence became a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch flush on the face in the early round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, heavy swelling developing under his face as the pair landed hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, everything their idol the legend stood for.
