Scotland’s Willy Hutchinson claimed the WBC light-heavyweight title after defeating Joshua Buatsi in a closely contested rematch at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday.
The 28-year-old secured a unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the fight 117-112, 115-113 and 115-113, avenging his defeat by Buatsi in 2024.
The bout was initially scheduled for the interim title but was upgraded after American David Benavidez vacated the WBC championship to move up to cruiserweight. Hutchinson took full advantage of the opening, and he now holds one of boxing’s most respected belts.
Hutchinson controlled much of the contest, using quick combinations and switching stances to frustrate Buatsi, who struggled to repeat the body-shot success that helped him win their first meeting.
A childhood promise kept
Hutchinson fulfilled a childhood dream with the victory, having written in a book at the age of 13 that he would become a WBC world champion.
An emotional Hutchinson said after the fight: “I was 13-years-old. My dad was working in Sweden. I signed it in a book, I said I will become a world champion. Let’s go!”
He also thanked his coach for helping him overcome difficult times, adding: “This man dug me out of a hole that I never thought that I would get out of, so this is all a bonus baby.”
What the WBC light-heavyweight title means for both fighters
The victory improved Hutchinson’s professional record to 21 wins and two defeats, while Buatsi suffered only his second loss in 22 fights. Hutchinson, from Carstairs, has 14 knockouts in his 21 wins, while Buatsi, from Croydon, has 13 knockouts in his 20 wins. For Buatsi, it is a setback after a career built on patience and power, and he will now have to decide whether to seek a third meeting or rebuild towards another title shot.
For Hutchinson, the title changes everything. A fighter who once doubted whether he would climb out of his difficulties is now a world champion, and the big fights that follow a belt will come to him.
Hutchinson is now eyeing a potential showdown with fellow Briton Anthony Yarde, who was watching ringside. Addressing Yarde after the fight, Hutchinson said: “He’s no walkover but let’s go. Him next.”
A possible clash with the winner of Dmitry Bivol versus Callum Smith could also put Hutchinson on course for an undisputed title fight in 2027. Bivol and Smith are two of the biggest names in the division, and a win over either would settle the question of who rules at light-heavyweight.
A busy weekend of sport
The fight was one of the highlights of a packed sporting weekend. In football, Manchester City were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest, while Leeds beat Tottenham in the Premier League. In the United States, Lionel Messi won a second straight MLS Golden Boot as Inter Miami reached the playoffs.
For British boxing, though, Hutchinson’s win was the story of the night. Scotland has a new world champion, and he won it the hard way, in a rematch against the man who had beaten him in 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Hutchinson vs Buatsi rematch?
Willy Hutchinson won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the fight 117-112, 115-113 and 115-113 at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Why was the WBC light-heavyweight title vacant?
The bout was upgraded to a full world title fight after David Benavidez vacated the WBC light-heavyweight championship to move up to cruiserweight.
Who could Hutchinson fight next?
Hutchinson called out Anthony Yarde, who was ringside, and a clash with the winner of Dmitry Bivol versus Callum Smith could put him on course for an undisputed title fight in 2027.
When did Buatsi beat Hutchinson before?
Buatsi won their first meeting in September 2024 by split decision, dropping Hutchinson twice, on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight defence against Anthony Joshua at Wembley.
