Buatsi v Hutchinson II - predictions ahead of vacant WBC light‑heavyweight title fight in Manchester

Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson renew their rivalry in Manchester on Saturday when they contest the vacant WBC world light‑heavyweight title, and BBC Sport asked figures across boxing for their verdicts on who will leave with the belt.

The pair first met on the undercard of Daniel Dubois' win over Anthony Joshua in September 2024, when Buatsi twice knocked down Hutchinson and prevailed by split decision; Buatsi is 33 and Hutchinson 28. That loss was the second of Hutchinson's professional career, but two wins since have put him into position to fight for a first world title.

Those questioned offered differing views on how the rematch will end. One prediction said: "Buatsi may stop him this time in the later rounds. I think he gets it done between rounds nine and 12." Another commented: "Willy has improved massively since the first fight, whereas I'm not sure I could say the same for Joshua."

A separate voice expanded on Hutchinson's development while noting Buatsi's motivations, saying: "It's a really good fight. I think the first fight was very good - Willy was dropped a couple of times in the fight and that cost him. Otherwise, his performance was OK. He's matured a lot since that fight and is in good form. Buatsi has maybe just started to look old but the fact the world title is on the line... When he turned professional, everyone thought he was a shoo-in to become world champion and he hasn't achieved it yet. This is the chance, so we may see a level of Buatsi that we haven't seen in a while. I think it'll be really competitive but I'm just edging Hutchinson to win on points with the run of form he's on."

Several contributors backed Buatsi to retain the head‑to‑head edge. One said: "I'm going for a repeat for Buatsi and he finally gets his hands on a world title. It has been 10 years since he was at the Olympics and it felt like he slipped away from that batch of fighters. Buatsi does things in his own time and he's finally got his shot. It comes at a great time for him, it could go two ways - he's either overconfident because he's beaten Willy or his confidence could be a good thing and he could step on it early and I think it's the second one. I can't see Willy getting stopped - he's tough - so I'm going Buatsi on points, but he might get a knockdown." Another succinctly stated: "It's very rare people can turn the rematch around when they lose the first one. On that basis, I am going for Joshua Buatsi, possibly even by late stoppage." A further pro‑Buatsi view added: "I'm going with Buatsi to win again. Hutchinson showed he was weak to the body and that could be his kryptonite."

Other voices sided with Hutchinson, highlighting his progress and present condition. One prediction declared: "Willy Hutchinson will get the win - it's his time. Buatsi is a tough fighter and it won't be easy but when I look at who is fresh and who has the bit between their teeth a little more - I'm backing Hutchinson." A longer endorsement read: "Willy Hutchinson is in his physical and mental prime and I think he wins the fight. I've known Willy since he turned professional as an 18-year-old. He's always had the tools to be a world champion and I believe timing is everything in boxing. I believe he's also catching Buatsi at the right time."

Several respondents emphasised the stakes and the closeness of the matchup, noting Buatsi's recent fights and Hutchinson's momentum. One comment said: "What a rematch. He showed his worth, his bottle and his ability did Willy Hutchinson in that first fight and proved a lot as a fighter. Joshua Buatsi had a very good fight with Callum Smith, although he came out second best. Not so impressive in his win over Zach Parker, it was a close fight so a lot of questions surround him and what's left. Hutchinson is a man in form and looks like a man who is matured both physically and mentally. This is a fantastic rematch with the WBC light-heavyweight title on the line. It promises to be an action-packed contest and the pot of gold is massive." Another assessment that quantified the shift in perception stated: "A rematch that I didn't think would come around but it all makes sense with the added incentive of gold. Someone will leave as world champion. The first time they fought, it was 80-20 Buatsi for me, but Hutchinson was a lot better than I expected. He has now closed that gap drastically and now it's 55-45 Buatsi. How much has Callum Smith taken out of Buatsi? On the flip side, Hutchinson, after that defeat, has gone from strength to strength. He showed everything in his last fight against Ezra Taylor. I favour Buatsi just, but we'll see how much that Smith fight took out of him. I think Buatsi will be world champion, but I wouldn't be surprised if Willy Hutchinson walks home with gold."

The vacant WBC world light‑heavyweight title is at stake in Manchester on Saturday, and the winner of Buatsi v Hutchinson II will claim that belt.