British light heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet disappointing debut to life under recent management with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate seemingly secured him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the boxing arena.
But Parker landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a fight where the styles didn't complement each other, with constant grabbing marring the action.
The officials judged it 96-94 for to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95.
"It wasn't my best display but how do champions respond? They prevail," the victor said in the ring as he was greeted with disapproval from the spectators.
The British fighter bounced back after his initial pro loss - an epic battle with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th pro success.
Various analysts felt the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-match professional journey.
The Champion Claims Triumph in Dull Encounter
The fighter's advancement has slowed in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - maybe in what appears to be a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to be aggressive in a cagey early stages.
The challenger, whose only previous defeat came at the lower weight class against his former opponent in two years ago after breaking his hand during the bout, was making just his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the halfway stage, the underdog had made it competitive, creating difficulties for the favorite, who utilized a protective stance to barely take the more effective rounds.
The crowd's patience wore thin amid constant clinching, with Parker going down several times during clinches.
Parker ended stronger, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with Dazn - had it particularly wide for Parker, awarding Buatsi just only one stanza.
The victor moves on, but with the caliber of power puncher David Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Hatton Tribute Motivates Manchester Derby Contest
In the secondary fight, Lyndon Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by divided decision in a excellent Manchester vs Manchester contest to capture the continental belt.
The venue fell silent for a extremely emotional memorial prior to the bout as a bell ceremony tolled in honor of local hero Hatton, who died at age 46 in recently.
It was the premier televised fight night in the urban center since the passing of Hatton. As the last bell disappeared, the stillness became a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring equaled the sentiment. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch directly to the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his feet on the eight count.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon came forward again. On the opposite side, Rea - in opposing blue - was damaged quickly, noticeable damage forming under his eye as the fighters landed powerful shots.
The challenger, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the pace hardly diminished over 12 rounds.
The victor edged the verdict with judges scorecards of even score, narrow lead and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and brave, all the qualities their inspiration Hatton represented.
