Hutchinson beats Buatsi to claim WBC light-heavyweight title

Willy Hutchinson beat Joshua Buatsi on points in Manchester to become WBC light-heavyweight champion, avenging his defeat by Buatsi in their first meeting in 2024.

The judges scored Saturday’s rematch 117-112, 115-113 and 115-113 for the 28-year-old Scot. The fight was initially scheduled for the interim title but was upgraded after American David Benavidez vacated the WBC championship to move up to cruiserweight.

Hutchinson improved his record to 21 wins and two defeats. He is the eighth British boxer to win a world light-heavyweight title, and the first since Nathan Cleverly in 2017.

The pair’s first fight and the divided predictions ahead of the rematch set the stage for a second meeting more than two years later. Buatsi won their September 2024 contest by split decision, having knocked Hutchinson down twice. This time, Hutchinson kept Buatsi at bay and pressed forward in the later rounds.

After the result was announced, Hutchinson recalled writing as a 13-year-old that he would become a world champion. He thanked his coach and said he had helped him through a difficult period.

Anthony Yarde, a former world title challenger who was ringside, entered the ring after the fight. Hutchinson called him a possible next opponent, saying: “He’s no walkover but let’s go. Him next.”