In a stunning turn of events at Manchester's AO Arena on Saturday night, Scotland's Willy Hutchinson was crowned the new WBC light-heavyweight champion after a hard-fought victory over Joshua Buatsi. The judges scored the bout 117-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Hutchinson, who avenged his 2024 defeat to the Londoner and improved his professional record to 21 wins and two losses.
A Dream Realized
For Hutchinson, 28, the win was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. He revealed that at the age of 13, he wrote in a book that he would become a world champion. "I want to tell the story one more time. 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!" an emotional Hutchinson said after the fight. He also thanked his coach, saying, "Without him I don't think I'll be here today let alone boxing. 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."
Redemption and Tactical Mastery
The bout was initially for the interim title but was upgraded when American David Benavidez vacated the WBC belt to move up to cruiserweight. Hutchinson seized the opportunity with both hands, displaying a maturity and tactical awareness that was missing in his first encounter with Buatsi. In their 2024 meeting, Buatsi had sent Hutchinson to the canvas twice with crushing body shots. This time, Hutchinson had answers, often toying with his opponent in the center of the ring and landing rapid triple jabs while switching stances.
Buatsi, five years Hutchinson's senior, seemed short of ideas and unable to replicate the form that had made him a favorite in their first fight. The Manchester crowd, firmly behind Hutchinson, cheered him on as he made his way to the ring, while Buatsi was met with a chorus of boos. The atmosphere was raucous despite modest ticket sales, with the upper tier closed off. But those in attendance witnessed a memorable night as Hutchinson became the eighth British light-heavyweight champion and the first since Nathan Cleverly in 2017.
What's Next for the New Champion?
As world champion, Hutchinson now has a target on his back. Former world title challenger Anthony Yarde was ringside and stepped into the ring after the fight, with Hutchinson saying, "He's no walkover but let's go. Him next." A fight between the two British rivals could thrill boxing fans. Alternatively, Hutchinson could face the winner of the December 12 bout between Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith for the other three light-heavyweight titles, potentially setting up a huge undisputed clash in 2027. Another domestic option is Ben Whittaker, who is ranked third with the WBC and holds the silver title.
For now, Hutchinson will savor his victory and the realization of a lifelong dream. His journey from writing his ambitions in a book at 13 to lifting the WBC belt is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. As he put it, "This is all a bonus baby." And for British boxing, a new star has arrived.
