UK light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet disappointing beginning to his career under recent management with a unanimous decision over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a majority decision in a tight 10-round contest at the Manchester venue.
But the challenger had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a match where the approaches didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing disrupting the contest.
The scoring judges scored it 96-94 in favor to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They succeed," the victor stated in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to secure a twentieth professional win.
Various analysts felt Parker, thirty-one, deserved the victory but the contender experienced the second loss of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Earns Win in Slow Encounter
The fighter's advancement has plateaued in the past few years through management issues and extended periods of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He opened tentatively, with both competitors willing to take risks in a tentative early stages.
The challenger, whose sole prior loss came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was participating in his second fight at light-heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a tight guard to barely take the more effective stanzas.
The crowd's patience diminished amid regular grabbing, with Parker falling to the floor multiple occasions during grappling.
The underdog finished the stronger, but several stanzas were difficult to score. Although, previous titleholder Carl Frampton - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it particularly wide for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of hard hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Hatton Memorial Motivates Manchester Derby Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Rea by close verdict in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the continental title.
The arena became quiet for a profoundly moving homage ahead of the contest as ten bells rang in memory of the city's native Hatton, who passed away at age 46 in last month.
It was the premier televised boxing event in the city since Hatton's death. As the last bell disappeared, the stillness became a roar of "only one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes reflected the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a left hook directly to the chin in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the referee's count.
But the traditional red equipment of Arthur soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in competitive blue - was injured early, noticeable damage appearing under his eye as the fighters exchanged powerful shots.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, thirty-four, responded in kind with stinging uppercuts as the intensity hardly diminished over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the decision with official scores of draw, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were determined and full of heart, all the qualities their idol Hatton embodied.
