British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive beginning to life under new promoters 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 tight ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker found success, connecting with powerful clean blows in a fight where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding marring the fight.
The scoring judges judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my best showing but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor commented in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the crowd.
The British fighter bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to claim a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts believed the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the contender suffered the second defeat of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Secures Win in Uneventful Match
His career development has plateaued in recent times through promotional disputes and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under recent support.
He started carefully, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand in the contest, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who operated with a solid defense to narrowly win the more effective periods.
The crowd's patience diminished amid regular grabbing, with the challenger falling to the floor various instances during grappling.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Memorial Inspires Manchester Derby Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by split-decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester contest to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony sounded in honor of local hero Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.
It was the first major televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the stillness transitioned to a chant of "there's only one Hatton".
The action during the bout reflected the feeling. Arthur was floored by a powerful punch squarely on the jaw in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the count of eight.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured early, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the fighters traded punishing blows.
Rea, 27, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the pace rarely dropped over twelve rounds.
The victor narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of even score, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and courageous, everything their hero the legend embodied.
