Willy Hutchinson finds happiness at a timely moment in his career. The Scottish light-heavyweight, 28, admits boxing has often left him feeling low, even after wins, but he is in a positive frame of mind before challenging Joshua Buatsi for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight title on Saturday at Manchester’s AO Arena.
Hutchinson recalled struggling badly after his victory over Mark Jeffers, saying he did not want to see anyone for a week. He described those days as a real low point but insisted his situation has changed and that being content is something he values deeply because it does not come easily to him.
The rematch with Buatsi, 33, comes three and a half years after Scotland last had a world champion, when Josh Taylor lost the final belt of his four light-welterweight titles. Hutchinson, who was born in Scotland and has lived in Lanark all his life, boxed out of Springhall Amateur Boxing Club in Shotts and says becoming the next world champion for his country would mean everything.
He was the first Scot to win gold at the amateur World Championships in 2016 and has won 20 of his 22 professional bouts. He started boxing at nine and believes the WBC world title is the biggest prize in the sport, adding that he intends to take it with both hands.
First meeting and rivalry
The pair first met on the undercard of Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, a night dominated by Dubois’ fifth-round knockout win to retain the IBF heavyweight title. Earlier on the card, Hutchinson and Buatsi produced a remarkable back-and-forth contest. Hutchinson rose from the canvas twice and took rounds between the knockdowns, but lost a split decision.
Their rivalry has grown over the past two years, with insults exchanged on social media, and Saturday’s rematch offers world honours. Hutchinson said he will deliver the performance he should have produced two years ago and that Buatsi will face a different opponent this time. He added that revenge would be welcome but becoming world champion matters more, describing the opportunity as killing two birds with one stone.
Since that loss, Hutchinson has rebuilt with a stoppage of Jeffers and a decision win over Ezra Taylor. Buatsi, an Olympic bronze medallist, suffered his first professional defeat against Callum Smith before bouncing back against Zach Parker.
Hutchinson was dismissive of Buatsi’s recent form, saying the Londoner has never looked too good and pointing to the loss to Smith and a poor showing against Parker. He expects the best version of both fighters on 7 November and believes the cream will always rise to the top.
With the hard work of training camp complete, Hutchinson said the toughest part of fighting Buatsi was the preparation he has just finished. He now intends to do his job and believes he should make it an easy night’s work.
