British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming debut to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a majority decision in a tight ten-round contest at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective clean blows in a fight where the techniques never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the contest.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my finest performance but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor commented in the ringside as he was greeted with negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter got back to winning after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts believed Parker, 31, deserved the win but the contender suffered the second loss of his 28-match career.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Dull Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through management issues and considerable time of lack of fights.
Once tipped as the future of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He started carefully, with neither fighter willing to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, Parker had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who utilized a solid defense to edge the better periods.
The audience's tolerance decreased because of constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the presence of power puncher David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires All-Manchester Contest
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving memorial ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the location since Hatton's passing. As the final chime ended, the silence transitioned to a chant of "only one Hatton".
The competition during the bout equaled the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch directly to the jaw in the initial stage, standing uncertainly to his position on the eight count.
But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was marked up soon, significant bruising appearing under his face as the duo exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the verdict with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, everything their hero Hatton represented.
