British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive beginning to his career under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's work rate appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the approaches failed to mesh, with constant grabbing spoiling the contest.
The scoring judges scored it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest performance but what do champions do? They prevail," the victor stated in the ringside as he was met by disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts believed the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.
The Champion Claims Victory in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with the two boxers prepared to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was competing in only his second fight at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, causing problems for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to edge the cleaner rounds.
The crowd's patience decreased because of constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during close exchanges.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it strongly leaning for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just a single round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Hatton Homage Fuels Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry fight to capture the European light-heavyweight championship.
The venue grew hushed for a deeply poignant tribute before the fight as 10 bells rang in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in last month.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the final chime disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch flush on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his orbital area as the fighters landed punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over 12 rounds.
Arthur edged the result with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and full of heart, all the qualities their inspiration the legend represented.
