British light-heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet unimpressive debut to his career under new promoters with a decision win over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level likely gained him a majority decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Manchester venue.
But Parker found success, connecting with powerful clean blows in a contest where the approaches didn't complement each other, with excessive holding disrupting the contest.
The officials judged it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the final judge a 95-95 draw.
"It wasn't my greatest display but what defines champions? They win," Buatsi commented in the ring as he was greeted with boos from the crowd.
The Londoner bounced back after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in last winter - to secure a 20th pro success.
Several boxing experts thought Parker, thirty-one, should have been awarded the win but the British boxer suffered the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
Buatsi Secures Victory in Slow Affair
His career development has plateaued in recent times through management issues and considerable time of inactivity.
Previously predicted as the next star of the British fight scene, he now is positioned trying to realize his potential - possibly in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.
He started carefully, with the two boxers ready to take risks in a tentative early stages.
Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after suffering a hand injury mid-fight, was making just his second bout at light heavyweight.
By the fight's midpoint, Parker had stayed in contention, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the better periods.
The audience's tolerance decreased because of constant clinching, with the challenger slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.
The underdog closed well, but many rounds were difficult to score. However, previous titleholder the boxing analyst - providing analysis for the broadcast network - had it strongly leaning for Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.
Buatsi progresses, but with the caliber of heavy hitter Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol dominating the weight class, the road to world glory - judging by this showing - still seems difficult.
Hatton Tribute Inspires All-Manchester Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur defeated Rea by split-decision in a outstanding local rivalry contest to capture the European light heavyweight belt.
The arena grew hushed for a extremely emotional tribute prior to the bout as 10 bells rang in honor of the city's native Ricky Hatton, who succumbed 46 years old in September.
It was the initial significant broadcast boxing event in the location since Hatton's passing. As the concluding sound faded, the quiet transitioned to a chant of "there's just one Hatton".
The action inside the ropes equaled the sentiment. The eventual winner was sent to the canvas by a significant blow directly to the face in the early round, standing uncertainly to his feet on the referee's count.
But the traditional red attire of the fighter soon advanced again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in rival City blue - was damaged early, heavy swelling appearing under his face as the fighters exchanged hard punches.
The challenger, twenty-seven, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with effective uppercuts as the action seldom decreased over twelve rounds.
Arthur barely secured the verdict with scoring tallies of even score, close margin and clearer margin, but each competitor were persistent and full of heart, exactly what their hero Hatton stood for.
