UK light heavyweight Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming start to his career under new promoters with a points victory over Zach Parker in the Manchester arena.
The Olympic medal winner's activity level seemingly secured him a split decision in a tight 10-round bout at the Co-op Live Arena.
But the challenger landed significant shots, landing some telling clean blows in a contest where the styles failed to mesh, with excessive holding disrupting the fight.
Two judges had it 96-94 to the winner, with the remaining official a even score.
"It wasn't my greatest showing but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi commented in the ringside as he was faced negative reactions from the crowd.
The British fighter returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an memorable fight with his previous opponent in February - to claim a twentieth professional win.
Some ringside observers felt the challenger, thirty-one, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter experienced the second setback of his 28-bout professional journey.
The Champion Secures Victory in Slow Match
His career development has slowed in recent times through contract problems and extended periods of inactivity.
Earlier forecast as the rising talent of UK boxing, he now is positioned trying to achieve expectations - maybe in what appears to be a ultimate opportunity - under recent support.
He began cautiously, with neither fighter ready to overcommit in a calculated early stages.
Parker, whose single earlier setback came at the lower weight class against John Ryder in two years ago after damaging his hand during the bout, was participating in his second bout at light-heavyweight.
By the middle rounds, Parker had made it competitive, creating difficulties for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to barely take the better rounds.
The audience's tolerance decreased because of regular grabbing, with Parker going down multiple occasions during clinches.
Parker closed well, but several stanzas were difficult to score. However, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on the broadcast network - had it significantly in favor for the challenger, giving Buatsi just one round.
The victor advances, but with the presence of power puncher Benavidez, and Eastern European fighter Dmitry Bivol leading the category, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.
Hatton Tribute Inspires Manchester Derby Battle
In the supporting bout, Arthur overcame Bradley Rea by close verdict in a outstanding local rivalry battle to win the European light heavyweight championship.
The arena became quiet for a extremely emotional homage prior to the bout as a bell ceremony rang in remembrance of local hero Ricky Hatton, who passed away 46 years old in recently.
It was the initial significant broadcast fight night in the location since Hatton's passing. As the last bell ended, the silence became a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".
The competition during the bout equaled the feeling. Arthur was sent to the canvas by a powerful punch squarely on the face in the second round, getting up unsteadily to his position on the eight count.
But the Manchester United-red attire of Arthur soon pressed ahead again. On the opposite side, the opponent - in opposing blue - was injured soon, heavy swelling appearing under his eye as the fighters landed powerful shots.
The challenger, twenty-seven, connected with strong blows but the champion, 34, matched the intensity with powerful upward punches as the intensity rarely dropped over twelve rounds.
Arthur narrowly won the result with scoring tallies of draw, close margin and wider gap, but both fighters were relentless and brave, all the qualities their idol Hatton represented.
