UK light-heavyweight Buatsi earned a win yet unimpressive debut to life under recent management with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level seemingly secured him a judges' verdict in a close ten-round fight at the Manchester venue.
But Parker had his moments, delivering effective single shots in a contest where the styles never quite clicked, with constant grabbing marring the fight.
The officials judged it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what do champions do? They prevail," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by boos from the spectators.
The Londoner bounced back after his initial pro loss - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to earn a 20th career victory.
Several boxing experts felt Parker, 31, should have been awarded the victory but the contender endured the second loss of his 28-fight career.
Buatsi Earns Triumph in Slow Match
Buatsi's progress has slowed in recent years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the rising talent of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - possibly in what feels like a last chance - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with both competitors prepared to overcommit in a tentative initial rounds.
The challenger, whose single earlier setback came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a solid defense to edge the better stanzas.
The spectators' acceptance decreased because of frequent holding, with the challenger falling to the floor several times during clinches.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were challenging to assess. Although, ex-champion Carl Frampton - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, awarding Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi advances, but with the likes of hard hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - based on this performance - still appears challenging.
Hatton Memorial Inspires Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by divided decision in a terrific local rivalry battle to win the continental championship.
The stadium became quiet for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells tolled in honor of Manchester's own Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since Hatton's death. As the last bell faded, the stillness gave way to a shout of "only one Hatton".
The action during the bout reflected the sentiment. Arthur was knocked down by a powerful punch flush on the face in the second round, rising shakily to his position on the referee's count.
But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged early, noticeable damage forming under his face as the duo landed hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, responded in kind with effective uppercuts as the pace rarely dropped over the full distance.
The victor barely secured the decision with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and brave, exactly what their inspiration Hatton embodied.
