British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive beginning to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output seemingly secured him a split decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the techniques never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the fight.
The officials judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the audience.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his initial pro loss - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, should have been awarded the win but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second setback of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Claims Triumph in Dull Match
His career development has slowed in the past few years through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what seems like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to overcommit in a cagey initial rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was participating in his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, causing problems for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the better rounds.
The crowd's patience decreased during regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during close exchanges.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were difficult to score. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol ruling the division, the path to championship success - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Fuels All-Manchester Fight
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to secure the continental title.
The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as 10 bells tolled in memory of local hero Ricky Hatton, who died 46 years old in last month.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the location since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the stillness transitioned to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The action inside the ropes matched the feeling. The eventual winner was knocked down by a left hook squarely on the face in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. From the other corner, Rea - in rival City blue - was marked up early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the fighters traded powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, landed power punches but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
The victor narrowly won the result with official scores of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were determined and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend embodied.
