British light-heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet unimpressive start to life under fresh promotional backing with a decision win over Zach Parker in Manchester.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a split decision in a competitive 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger found success, connecting with powerful individual punches in a contest where the styles didn't complement each other, with frequent clinching spoiling the action.
The officials had it 96-94 for to the winner, with the final judge a even score.
"It wasn't my finest showing but how do champions respond? They win," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was met by disapproval from the audience.
The Londoner bounced back after his maiden career setback - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers thought the challenger, 31, deserved the win but the Derbyshire fighter endured the second defeat of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Claims Win in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through contract problems and long spells of inactivity.
Once tipped as the future of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a ultimate opportunity - under new promotional backing.
He opened tentatively, with the two boxers prepared to take risks in a tentative initial rounds.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super middleweight against his former opponent in two years ago after damaging his hand mid-fight, was making just his second bout at the higher weight class.
By the fight's midpoint, the underdog had kept it close, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who utilized a tight guard to narrowly win the more effective periods.
The audience's tolerance decreased during constant clinching, with Parker falling to the floor various instances during clinches.
The underdog closed well, but multiple periods were hard to judge. Nevertheless, former world champion Carl Frampton - working with the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor progresses, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian champion Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still seems difficult.
Hatton Homage Motivates Local Rivalry Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur beat Bradley Rea by close verdict in a terrific Manchester vs Manchester battle to win the continental belt.
The venue fell silent for a profoundly moving homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who succumbed aged 46 in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast match card in the urban center since Hatton's passing. As the final chime ended, the quiet transitioned to a shout of "only one Ricky Hatton".
The fighting within the ring matched the feeling. Arthur was floored by a left hook directly to the chin in the early round, standing uncertainly to his footing on the count of eight.
But the red-colored attire of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, Rea - in rival City blue - was injured quickly, heavy swelling appearing under his orbital area as the fighters landed powerful shots.
Rea, twenty-seven, delivered effective strikes but Arthur, thirty-four, matched the intensity with stinging uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over the full distance.
The victor narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of 114-114, 115-113 and clearer margin, but the two athletes were determined and brave, everything their inspiration the legend represented.
