The Buatsi vs Hutchinson 2 predictions from across the boxing world reveal a genuinely divided house. Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson meet again in Manchester on Saturday, this time with the vacant WBC world light-heavyweight title at stake, and the opinions gathered by BBC Sport show no clear consensus on who will leave as champion.
The rematch and its stakes
Their first encounter, on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024, was a hard-fought and entertaining affair. Buatsi, the 33-year-old Londoner, dropped Hutchinson twice before securing a split-decision win. For Hutchinson, a 28-year-old Scot, that night brought the second defeat of his professional career, but two subsequent victories have earned him a shot at a first world title.
The rematch carries added significance: the WBC belt is on the line, and both men know a world championship is within reach.
Backing Buatsi to repeat
Several observers believe Buatsi will again have his hand raised. Two-weight world champion Chantelle Cameron expects Buatsi to stop Hutchinson this time, predicting a finish between rounds nine and 12.
Former WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley also favours Buatsi, though he sees the fight going the distance. Bentley pointed to Buatsi’s long journey since the Olympics and suggested he may finally seize his opportunity, possibly scoring a knockdown along the way.
Tony Bellew, a former cruiserweight world champion, noted how rarely fighters overturn a loss in a rematch and picked Buatsi, perhaps by late stoppage.
Zelfa Barrett, a former European super-featherweight champion, agreed that Buatsi has Hutchinson’s number. Barrett highlighted Hutchinson’s vulnerability to body shots and predicted a points win for Buatsi.
DAZN presenter Ade Olapido described the first fight as 80-20 in Buatsi’s favour but now sees the gap narrowed to 55-45. He still leans towards Buatsi, while wondering how much Buatsi has left after his fight with Callum Smith.
Believers in Hutchinson's momentum
On the other side, British heavyweight David Allen argued that Hutchinson has improved significantly since the first fight, while questioning whether the same can be said for Buatsi. He picked Hutchinson.
Former world champion Carl Frampton also edged towards Hutchinson. Frampton acknowledged that Buatsi may be showing signs of age but recognised the motivation of a first world-title opportunity. Ultimately, he favoured Hutchinson on points given his current form.
European cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley backed Hutchinson, citing freshness and hunger as deciding factors.
Boxing manager Sam Jones, who has known Hutchinson since his professional debut as an 18-year-old, believes timing is everything and that Hutchinson is in his physical and mental prime. He expects Hutchinson to win.
Former middleweight world champion Darren Barker praised Hutchinson’s maturity and form, while noting questions surrounding Buatsi after recent performances. He also predicted a Hutchinson victory.
A fight that promises action
The split in predictions reflects the uncertainty surrounding both fighters. Buatsi, who twice knocked down Hutchinson in their first meeting, will aim to prove that result was no fluke. Hutchinson, meanwhile, has rebuilt since that defeat and now stands on the brink of a first world title.
With the WBC light-heavyweight championship vacant, the stakes could hardly be higher. The experts may be divided, but the one point of agreement is that the rematch promises to be an action-packed contest.
