UK light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a competitive ten-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, delivering effective clean blows in a contest where the approaches never quite clicked, with constant grabbing disrupting the action.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," Buatsi commented in the arena as he was greeted with disapproval from the crowd.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Several boxing experts believed the challenger, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Secures Victory in Uneventful Encounter
His career development has slowed in the past few years through promotional disputes and considerable time of lack of fights.
Earlier forecast as the future of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - possibly in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a tentative early stages.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the more effective stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance decreased because of regular grabbing, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, awarding Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the presence of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Hatton Tribute Motivates All-Manchester Battle
In the co-main event, Arthur beat Rea by divided decision in a excellent local rivalry contest to capture the continental championship.
The arena fell silent for a deeply poignant homage prior to the bout as 10 bells sounded in honor of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed at age 46 in recently.
It was the first major televised match card in the urban center since Hatton's death. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet became a chant of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The action during the bout reflected the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the duo exchanged hard punches.
Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but the champion, thirty-four, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur barely secured the result with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and wider gap, but the two athletes were determined and courageous, all the qualities their inspiration the legend stood for.
