Willy Hutchinson crowned WBC light-heavyweight champion with revenge win over Joshua Buatsi

Willy Hutchinson was crowned the WBC light-heavyweight champion in Manchester

By Tim Rickson8 Nov 2026 · 3 min read

Willy Hutchinson crowned WBC light-heavyweight champion with revenge win over Joshua BuatsiQueensberry

Willy Hutchinson was crowned the WBC light-heavyweight champion after the performance of his career to beat Joshua Buatsi

Superb Scot Willy Hutchinson, 28, edged the tense rematch against Joshua Buatsi on November 7 in Manchester with the judges scoring it 117-112, 115-113, 115-113 to avenge his defeat back in 2024.

Saturday night's contest was initially for the WBC Interim title, but was upgraded to the full title after American 'Monster' David Benavidez gave up the belt to move up to cruiserweight.

It was a childhood dream come true for Scotland's Hutchinson, who said before the fight he wrote about becoming a WBC champion at the age of just 13.

An emotional Hutchinson said after his win was confirmed: "I want to tell the story one more time. I was 13-years-old. My dad was working in Sweden. I signed it in a book, I said I will become a world champion. Let's go!

"Can I say thank you to my coach [Shane McGuigan] because I'll you one thing, without him I don't think I'll be here today let alone boxing. This man dug me out of a hole that I never thought that I would get out of, so this is all a bonus baby."

Ticket sales were modest for a world title fight as it was clear that it did not capture the attention of the British public. But those inside made the atmosphere as electric as possible, with the Manchester crowd favouring Hutchinson.

And they were delighted when the result was read out and Hutchinson became the eighth British light-heavyweight world champion - the first since Nathan Cleverly in 2017.

The 'Braveheart' improved his record to 21 victories with two defeats, while it is the second time Londoner Buatsi has lost in 22 professional fights.

Fight week was dominated by predictions that Olympic bronze medallist Buatsi, five years Hutchinson's senior, is over the hill, largely due to his recent underwhelming performances.

And the Londoner did nothing to prove otherwise as Hutchinson often toyed with his opponent in the centre of the ring.

The first fight in 2024 had Buatsi walking to the ring as a comfortable favourite, and he backed that up with crushing body shots to send Hutchinson tumbling to the canvas twice, winning via split decision.

But this time around, the Scotsman was a different fighter. In his own words, he had "matured" after picking up two wins since last facing Buatsi.

Hutchinson clearly had the crowd on his side as he made the walk to cheers, while Buatsi was met by a chorus of boos as he paraded around the ring before the bell.

For JB, the strategy was very much the same as the first encounter - whip shots into the body - but Hutchinson now had answers, landing rapid triple jabs, while also switching stances.

As Manchester royalty Bez, of the Happy Mondays, watched on from ringside, Hutchinson's corner told him "three rounds and you're a world champion" after the ninth.

And they were right. Despite Buatsi's late advances, Hutchinson held out to become world champion for the first time.

Being world champion means Hutchinson will be a wanted man in the light-heavyweight division and bigger nights now beckon.

Former world title challenger Anthony Yarde was perched at ringside, which is an exciting fight that would thrill British boxing fans.

Hutchinson addressed Yarde, who stepped into the ring and said "he's no walkover but let's go. Him next."

But if Hutchinson v Yarde does not come to fruition, then there is the small matter of Dmitry Bivol v Callum Smith for the other three light-heavyweight titles on December 12.

Whoever wins that could be Hutchinson's next opponent in what would be a huge undisputed bout in 2027.

Domestic rival Ben Whittaker, who is ranked WBC #3 and holds the Silver title, could also emerge as a potential option.