UK light-heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive beginning to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But Parker had his moments, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the techniques didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching marring the action.
The officials had it 96-94 in favor to Buatsi, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my greatest display but how do champions respond? They succeed," the victor commented in the arena as he was faced negative reactions from the spectators.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an thrilling contest with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Some ringside observers felt Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the victory but the British boxer endured the second setback of his 28-bout career.
Buatsi Claims Win in Dull Encounter
The fighter's advancement has stalled in recent years through management issues and long spells of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to achieve expectations - possibly in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He started carefully, with both competitors willing to be aggressive in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after damaging his hand during the bout, was competing in only his second fight at light heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had stayed in contention, causing problems for Buatsi, who operated with a tight guard to edge the cleaner rounds.
The crowd's patience decreased amid frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas various instances during grappling.
Parker finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor progresses, but with the caliber of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Ricky Hatton Homage Fuels Local Rivalry Battle
In the secondary fight, Arthur defeated Rea by divided decision in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to secure the European light-heavyweight championship.
The arena became quiet for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in honor of local hero Hatton, who died aged 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout reflected the feeling. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch directly to the chin in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his feet on the eight count.
But the red-colored equipment of the fighter soon came forward again. From the other corner, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged early, noticeable damage appearing under his orbital area as the duo landed powerful shots.
Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, responded in kind with powerful upward punches as the action hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor narrowly won the decision with official scores of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and brave, exactly what their idol Hatton embodied.
