British light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic medal winner's punch output likely gained him a split decision in a close 10-round bout at the boxing arena.
But the challenger had his moments, connecting with powerful single shots in a contest where the techniques never quite clicked, with frequent clinching marring the action.
Two judges scored it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my finest showing but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor said in the arena as he was met by boos from the audience.
The Londoner got back to winning after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in last winter - to earn a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts felt the challenger, thirty-one, merited the win but the contender experienced the second defeat of his 28-fight professional journey.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Uneventful Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the next star of UK boxing, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after suffering a hand injury in the contest, was competing in only his second fight at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to edge the better periods.
The crowd's patience diminished amid regular grabbing, with the challenger going down several times during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, former world champion the boxing analyst - commentating on the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the path to championship success - based on this performance - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Fight
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry contest to capture the European light-heavyweight title.
The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional homage ahead of the contest as 10 bells sounded in honor of Manchester's own Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the premier televised match card in the city since Hatton's passing. As the last bell faded, the quiet became a roar of "only one Hatton".
The action inside the ropes reflected the emotion. Arthur was knocked down by a left hook flush on the chin in the second round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.
But the Manchester United-red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured soon, significant bruising developing under his face as the duo traded powerful shots.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur edged the result with official scores of draw, close margin and clearer margin, but the two athletes were persistent and brave, everything their hero Hatton represented.
