British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful clean blows in a match where the approaches never quite clicked, with excessive holding marring the fight.
Two judges had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the third a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor commented in the ringside as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to secure a 20th pro success.
Various analysts believed Parker, thirty-one, deserved the decision but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second setback of his 28-fight professional journey.
Buatsi Earns Triumph in Slow Match
His career development has stalled in recent times through contract problems and considerable time of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what appears to be a last chance - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to overcommit in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second appearance at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to barely take the cleaner periods.
The crowd's patience diminished amid frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Although, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the caliber of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Hatton Memorial Fuels All-Manchester Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester fight to capture the continental championship.
The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the quiet gave way to a shout of "there's only one Hatton".
The action during the bout equaled the emotion. Arthur was floored by a left hook directly to the face in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.
But the red-colored equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was damaged early, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the fighters exchanged punishing blows.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with powerful upward punches as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but each competitor were relentless and full of heart, everything their inspiration the legend represented.
