British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming beginning to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a majority decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective individual punches in a match where the styles failed to mesh, with constant grabbing marring the contest.
The officials scored it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They prevail," Buatsi said in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with Callum Smith in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the British boxer endured the second loss of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Victory in Slow Encounter
Buatsi's progress has plateaued in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with neither fighter prepared to be aggressive in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to narrowly win the cleaner stanzas.
The audience's tolerance wore thin because of frequent holding, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during clinches.
The underdog finished the stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Fuels Local Rivalry Contest
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester fight to win the continental championship.
The stadium fell silent for a profoundly moving memorial ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in memory of local hero Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in recently.
It was the premier televised match card in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell faded, the quiet gave way to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout equaled the feeling. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the face in the second round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage developing under his eye as the duo exchanged punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor barely secured the result with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and brave, everything their inspiration Hatton embodied.
