Buatsi vs Hutchinson Rematch Elevated to Full WBC Title Fight
The WBC confirms the November 7 rematch in Manchester will crown a full light heavyweight world champion.
Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson will fight for the full WBC light heavyweight world title when they rematch on November 7 at the AO Arena in Manchester, the WBC has confirmed.
The bout was originally set as an interim title fight, but the sanctioning body upgraded it after David Benavidez chose to remain at cruiserweight rather than defend the belt. With Benavidez out of the picture, the winner walks away as the undisputed WBC champion at 175 pounds.
Queensberry Promotions announced the elevation on social media: "Brit vs Brit. World title on the line. Manchester, November 7. Buatsi vs Hutchinson is for the WBC Light Heavyweight World Title."
The first fight took place at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Buatsi won by split decision after dropping Hutchinson twice, though one judge still scored the bout in Hutchinson's favor. It was a competitive, entertaining fight that left enough questions for a rematch to make sense.
Buatsi has positioned himself as one of the best light heavyweights in the world, and a clean win over Hutchinson with the full title on the line would solidify that status. Hutchinson, meanwhile, has the chance to avenge the only blemish on his recent run and claim a world title in front of a Manchester crowd.
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN.
This is a significant upgrade. Going from interim to the full belt changes everything about the stakes of this fight. And the reason it happened is because Benavidez decided cruiserweight was more interesting than defending his light heavyweight title. That is a rare move in boxing, where guys usually chase belts, not walk away from them.
The first fight was close enough that Hutchinson has a real case. One judge had him winning, and he showed he can hang with Buatsi even after getting dropped twice. That kind of toughness makes him dangerous in a rematch.
I think Buatsi wins again, but it will not be easy. Manchester is going to be loud, and Hutchinson is the kind of fighter who rises to the moment. If you are betting this one, the over on rounds might be the smart play.
