British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming start to his career under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a judges' verdict in a competitive 10-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with excessive holding marring the fight.
Two judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my best display but what defines champions? They win," the victor commented in the ring as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts thought Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the contender experienced the second setback of his 28-match career.
The Champion Claims Win in Dull Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Once tipped as the next star of UK boxing, he now stands trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with neither fighter ready to take risks in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the halfway stage, Parker had kept it close, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a tight guard to narrowly win the cleaner stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance wore thin during regular grabbing, with Parker going down various instances during close exchanges.
Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were challenging to assess. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just only one stanza.
Buatsi progresses, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Contest
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Bradley Rea by divided decision in a outstanding local rivalry contest to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The stadium became quiet for a deeply poignant tribute ahead of the contest as ten bells sounded in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in September.
It was the first major televised match card in the city since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet gave way to a roar of "there's just one Hatton".
The fighting during the bout reflected the emotion. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a left hook flush on the jaw in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged quickly, significant bruising forming under his face as the duo exchanged powerful shots.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with scoring tallies of draw, narrow lead and 115-112, but the two athletes were determined and brave, everything their hero the legend represented.
