British light heavyweight Buatsi secured a victory yet underwhelming beginning to life under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic bronze medallist's activity level appeared to earn him a majority decision in a close ten-round fight at the boxing arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the styles never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the action.
The officials scored it 96-94 for to the winner, with the remaining official a 95-95.
"It wasn't my finest performance but what defines champions? They succeed," the victor stated in the ringside as he was met by negative reactions from the audience.
The Londoner returned to winning ways after his maiden career setback - an epic battle with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th career victory.
Some ringside observers thought the challenger, 31, merited the victory but the British boxer experienced the second defeat of his 28-match professional journey.
Buatsi Earns Win in Dull Encounter
Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent times through contract problems and considerable time of lack of fights.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now finds himself trying to realize his potential - perhaps in what seems like a last chance - under fresh management.
He started carefully, with both competitors prepared to take risks in a tentative opening few rounds.
Parker, whose sole prior loss came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second fight at the higher weight class.
By the middle rounds, Parker had kept it close, creating difficulties for the favorite, who operated with a solid defense to barely take the more effective stanzas.
The audience's tolerance diminished during constant clinching, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during grappling.
The underdog closed well, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, ex-champion the boxing analyst - providing analysis for Dazn - had it significantly in favor for Parker, scoring for Buatsi just a single round.
The victor moves on, but with the presence of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Bivol dominating the weight class, the journey to titles - judging by this showing - still appears challenging.
Ricky Hatton Tribute Fuels Local Rivalry Fight
In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Rea by close verdict in a terrific local rivalry battle to secure the European light-heavyweight title.
The stadium grew hushed for a deeply poignant memorial before the fight as 10 bells rang in honor of the city's native Hatton, who died 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the city since the passing of Hatton. As the concluding sound ended, the silence became a chant of "there's only one Hatton".
The competition inside the ropes matched the emotion. The eventual winner was floored by a powerful punch directly to the face in the early round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the count of eight.
But the traditional red attire of Arthur soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged soon, heavy swelling forming under his face as the pair landed powerful shots.
Rea, 27, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the intensity seldom decreased over 12 rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the decision with judges scorecards of draw, 115-113 and clearer margin, but both fighters were persistent and brave, everything their hero Hatton embodied.
