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 majority decision in a close ten-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger found success, landing some telling clean blows in a match where the styles never quite clicked, with frequent clinching disrupting the action.
The officials had it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but how do champions respond? They prevail," Buatsi stated in the ring as he was faced boos from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers thought the challenger, thirty-one, deserved the win but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Secures Triumph in Uneventful Match
His career development has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and extended periods of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the rising talent of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a last chance - under fresh management.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to be aggressive in a cagey opening few rounds.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in 2022 after breaking his hand in the contest, was participating in his second appearance at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a protective stance to edge the better stanzas.
The crowd's patience diminished during constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi moves on, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol leading the category, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still looks steep.
Ricky Hatton Homage Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Lyndon Arthur defeated Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry battle to secure the European light heavyweight championship.
The stadium fell silent for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in remembrance of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in September.
It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet became a roar of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition within the ring reflected the sentiment. Arthur was floored by a left hook flush on the chin in the initial stage, getting up unsteadily to his footing on the eight count.
But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured soon, heavy swelling developing under his face as the duo traded punishing blows.
The challenger, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with judges scorecards of 114-114, close margin and 115-112, but both fighters were persistent and brave, exactly what their inspiration Hatton represented.
