BUATSI V HUTCHINSON BOOKED IN FOR NOVEMBER 7 THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT division takes centre stage at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday November 7 when top contenders Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson will rematch for the prize of the WBC Interim world championship. Live on DAZN, British Olympian Buatsi and Scottish world amateur champion Hutchinson will run it back from their original collision at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. It was Buatsi who emerged victorious via a split decision on the cards to become WBO Interim world champion, having twice put his opponent to the Wembley canvas. As a 175lbs spectacle it did not disappoint and Hutchinson, 28, has been calling for a rematch ever since, promising to reverse the outcome. Since then, Hutchinson (20-2, 14 KOs) has shone will victories over Mark Jeffers and, last time out in March, against the previously unbeaten Ezra Taylor, also in Manchester. Buatsi (20-1, 13 KOs) lost his WBO belt in a captivating confrontation with Callum Smith in early 2025, before the 33-year-old returned with a hard-fought victory over Zach Parker last November. Victory in Manchester will position the winner for a shot at the current WBC title holder David Benavidez. “This is an enormous opportunity for both Joshua and Willy,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The Interim title will secure one of them either a shot at the WBC world title or being upgraded should the champion vacate. “So the stakes are very high on November 7 in Manchester and we know for sure that we will get to see a cracking fight between two confirmed rivals who have shared 13 rounds before and delivered the goods. “Willy believes it is his time now and he has been particularly impressive and naturally confident in his last two fights, while Josh feels operating at the very highest level is his destiny. “The light heavyweights is a booming division both domestically and worldwide and both Josh and Willy can put themselves at the forefront by impressing in Manchester.”

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