Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson fight on Saturday for the vacant WBC world light heavyweight title in Manchester. This is the second meeting between the two boxers, who first crossed gloves in September 2024 on the undercard of Daniel Dubois's victory over Anthony Joshua.
In that first encounter, Buatsi knocked Hutchinson down twice before winning by split decision. Hutchinson suffered his second professional defeat that night, but has since secured two victories and returned to the hunt for the biggest goals.
Buatsi is 33 years old and hails from London, while Hutchinson is two years younger, aged 28, and was born in Scotland. Their new meeting gives them the chance to claim the vacant belt in one of the most demanding divisions.
Predictions from experts and colleagues in the boxing world are divided. Chantelle Cameron believes Buatsi could stop Hutchinson in the later rounds, between the ninth and 12th. Denzel Bentley, Tony Bellew and Zelfa Barrett also back Buatsi to win — Bentley and Barrett predict a points victory, while Bellew sees a possible late stoppage. Ade Olapido also favours Buatsi.
On the other side, David Allen, Viddal Riley, Sam Jones and Darren Barker predict a victory for Hutchinson. Carl Frampton believes Hutchinson will win on points. Regardless of the forecasts, both boxers have clear motivation: to win the world title and confirm their status at the top of the light heavyweight division.
