Boxing
Buatsi vs Hutchinson II Predictions: Hutchinson 5/6 to bounce back in Manchester
Two of Britain’s best light-heavyweights meet on Saturday, and William Hill News bring everything you need to know about the fight.
Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson step into the ring at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 7 November with the vacant WBC light-heavyweight belt up for grabs. Whoever comes out on top will become a world champion for the first time.
Buatsi vs Hutchinson II Prediction
This is a tough one to call, but we’re siding with Hutchinson. He was a point away from taking the first fight, and one judge did have him in front. He has had two years to work out what went wrong, and he’s been in good form since, winning both of his fights.
Buatsi will have learned from the first fight too, but Hutchinson’s non-stop style can wear a fighter down, and we think the rematch could be that bit closer than last time. Hutchinson also has the extra motivation of a world title in his sights.
Our prediction: Willy Hutchinson By Decision or Technical Decision – 2/1
Fight Background
The pair first met in September 2024 on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Daniel Dubois at Wembley. That day, Buatsi knocked Hutchinson down twice, once in the sixth and again in the ninth round, and Hutchinson lost a point along the way.
Despite that, the judges still couldn’t agree. Two scored it comfortably for Buatsi, but the third gave it to Hutchinson by a single point.
Where are they now?
Buatsi, now 33, has had a mixed run since that fight. He lost for the first time as a professional against Callum Smith in February 2025 but bounced back with a narrow win over Zack Parker – his impressive record stands at 20 wins and just one defeat.
Meanwhile, Hutchinson has won both of his fights since that night at Wembley. His form is slightly less convincing at 20 wins and 2 defeats, but he has been improving since the pair’s first meeting.
What’s on the line?
This fight presents a golden opportunity for both men, and with the purse unknown to the public, the real prize is the WBC belt, which would put the winner in line for a huge fight against the best in the division.
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
