Willy Hutchinson crowned as new WBC light-heavyweight champion after beating Joshua Buatsi in rematch
Willy Hutchinson defeats Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision to become the new WBC light-heavyweight champion with scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 117-112 in Manchester; the Scotsman had lost to Buatsi by split decision in their first fight in 2024; Buatsi suffers second loss of pro career
Saturday 7 November 2026 23:45, UK
Willy Hutchinson was crowned the new WBC light-heavyweight champion after inflicting a revenge defeat on Joshua Buatsi.
The Scotsman lost to Buatsi by split decision in their first fight in 2024, but Hutchinson won their rematch by unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 117-112 in Manchester.
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Hutchinson took a firm grip on the fight in the early rounds as he frustrated Buatsi with his swift hand speed and elusive movement.
Buatsi had floored Hutchinson twice in their previous fight, but he struggled to land hurtful shots on his fleet-footed rival, who was countering with quick combinations.
In the second half of the fight, Buatsi showed more urgency, closing the range on Hutchinson and lashing in punches from head to body.
But Hutchinson remained on the back foot in the final round, content with his lead on the scorecards, and closed out a sweet victory to secure the vacant WBC belt.
Anthony Yarde, who was watching from ringside, might have been denied a long-awaited fight against British rival Buatsi, but could now switch his sights to a fight against Hutchinson.
Buatsi suffered the second loss of his professional career following a points loss to Callum Smith in another domestic clash in 2025.
