Willy Hutchinson says he is in a good place as he prepares to face Joshua Buatsi in a rematch for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight title at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday. The 28-year-old has also spoken about how difficult it can be to manage his emotions after a fight, including when he has won.
Hutchinson told BBC Scotland that after his bout with Mark Jeffers he did not want to see anyone for a week and felt “real down”. He said things are different now and that he is grateful to be happy, describing happiness as something he can find difficult to achieve.
The fight will be Hutchinson’s 23rd as a professional. He has won 20 of his 22 bouts and hopes to become Scotland’s next world champion. He said the prospect means everything to him, citing his roots in Lanark and his time boxing at Springhall Amateur Boxing Club in Shotts.
Hutchinson and Buatsi first fought on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September 2024. Hutchinson was knocked down twice but recovered to reach the final bell, losing by split decision. Their rematch will now be for the WBC title.
Hutchinson said he wants to deliver the performance he believes he should have produced in their first meeting. He has since stopped Jeffers and beaten Ezra Taylor on points. Buatsi, an Olympic bronze medallist, suffered his first professional defeat against Callum Smith before returning to winning ways against Zach Parker.
Hutchinson said the training camp was the hardest part of preparing for Buatsi and that his focus is now on doing his job in the ring. He described becoming world champion as his priority, alongside the chance to avenge his earlier defeat.
Sources: BBC Sport.