The short version
- Willy Hutchinson defeated Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision to become the WBC light-heavyweight champion.
- The bout was upgraded from an interim title fight after David Benavidez vacated the belt to move up in weight class.
- Hutchinson has expressed interest in facing Anthony Yarde next, while a potential undisputed unification bout remains possible later.
Willy Hutchinson secured the World Boxing Council light-heavyweight championship on Saturday night in Manchester, defeating Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision. The judges scored the contest 117-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of the Scottish fighter. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Hutchinson, who avenged his split-decision loss to Buatsi in their initial encounter two years prior. The win improves Hutchinson’s professional record to twenty-one victories with two defeats.
The status of the bout shifted during the week leading up to the event. Originally scheduled as a contest for the interim title, the fight was elevated to determine the undisputed WBC champion after American boxer David Benavidez relinquished his gold belt. Benavidez made the decision to move up to the cruiserweight division, leaving the light-heavyweight title vacant and allowing Hutchinson’s victory to carry full championship weight.
Hutchinson, aged twenty-eight, delivered a performance that contrasted sharply with their first meeting. In the 2024 contest, Buatsi had dominated with powerful body shots that sent Hutchinson to the canvas twice. This time, however, Hutchinson appeared more composed and technically proficient. He utilized rapid jabs and switched stances effectively, often controlling the center of the ring. Observers noted that Buatsi seemed to lack the strategic ideas necessary to counter Hutchinson’s slick movement and defensive adjustments.
The atmosphere inside the AO Arena reflected a clear preference for the local favorite. While ticket sales were described as modest for a world title event, with the upper tier closed due to low demand, those present created a raucous environment. The crowd cheered heavily for Hutchinson during his entrance and booed Buatsi. This support intensified when the result was announced, celebrating Hutchinson as the eighth British light-heavyweight champion and the first since Nathan Cleverly held the title in 2017.
Hutchinson attributed his success to personal growth and dedicated coaching. He revealed that he had written down his ambition to become a world champion at age thirteen while his father was working in Sweden. After the fight, he expressed deep gratitude to his coach, crediting him with helping him escape difficult circumstances. Hutchinson stated that he felt he had matured significantly since their last bout, having picked up two wins in the interim period.
Buatsi, who is five years older than Hutchinson, faced scrutiny regarding his competitive longevity. Predictions during fight week suggested he might be past his prime, a narrative that appeared to hold true as he struggled to land significant blows against a more elusive opponent. Despite late attempts to regain momentum, Buatsi could not overcome the deficit established by Hutchinson’s consistent pressure and technical execution in the earlier rounds.
The path forward for the new champion includes several high-profile possibilities. Anthony Yarde, a former title challenger, was present at ringside and engaged with Hutchinson after the victory. Hutchinson indicated interest in facing Yarde next, acknowledging that it would not be an easy contest but expressing readiness to proceed. This matchup could generate significant interest among British boxing fans given the stakes involved.
Alternatively, the landscape of the division may shift following the Dmitry Bivol versus Callum Smith bout scheduled for December twelve. That fight will determine the holders of the other three major light-heavyweight titles. A winner from that contest could set up a historic undisputed unification match with Hutchinson in 2027. Another domestic option is Ben Whittaker, who holds the WBC silver title and ranks third in the division, presenting a potential stepping stone or rival for future consideration.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Hutchinson beats Buatsi to win WBC light-heavyweight title
