Hutchinson Wins WBC Light Heavyweight Title Over Buatsi

Willy Hutchinson claimed the vacant WBC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title Saturday night, outpointing Joshua Buatsi across 12 rounds to reverse their only prior meeting.

The judges scored it unanimously for Hutchinson, per ESPN, handing Buatsi his first professional defeat and settling a rivalry that had simmered since their amateur days. Hutchinson controlled the pace behind a stiff jab and measured counter work, weathering Buatsi's power punches in the championship rounds to seal the decision.

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Hutchinson's Revenge Completes Career Turnaround

The win marks a sharp reversal for Hutchinson, who lost to Buatsi as an amateur. He entered the fight as the busier campaigner in recent months and used that momentum to dictate range, landing the cleaner combinations while Buatsi struggled to find consistent openings.

Hutchinson now holds the vacant 175-pound belt and positions himself for unification talks. Buatsi, who had been widely viewed as the division's next breakout champion, must regroup after the setback.

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The new titleholder is expected to make his first defense in the spring, with no opponent yet named.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Hutchinson beats Buatsi to win WBC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title