Willy Hutchinson won the WBC light-heavyweight championship Saturday night in Manchester, defeating Joshua Buatsi by decision to avenge a loss from 2024. The judges scored the rematch 117-112, 115-113, 115-113 in favor of Hutchinson, making the 28-year-old Scot the first British champion at the weight since Nathan Cleverly in 2017. The bout was elevated from an interim title fight to a full championship after American David Benavidez vacated the belt to move up to cruiserweight.
Hutchinson, who said he wrote about his dream of becoming a WBC champion at age 13, delivered what he called a mature performance after losing to Buatsi in their first meeting. In 2024, Buatsi had sent Hutchinson to the canvas twice with body shots, but this time Hutchinson had answers for the Londoner's strategy. He controlled the center of the ring, landed rapid triple jabs, and switched stances to outbox his opponent before a vocal Manchester crowd at the AO Arena.
An emotional Hutchinson dedicated the victory to his coach after the decision was announced. "Without him I don't think I'll be here today let alone boxing," Hutchinson said. "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." The win improved his record to 21 victories and two defeats, while Buatsi suffered his second loss in 22 professional fights.
Hutchinson immediately called out former world title challenger Anthony Yarde, who was ringside and entered the ring after the fight. A potential unification bout could also emerge depending on the outcome of the December 12 fight between Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith for the other three light-heavyweight titles. Domestic rival Ben Whittaker, who holds the WBC silver title, is another possible opponent.