Buatsi v Hutchinson 2 - world light-heavyweight title fight predictions — SkimNews
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- Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson are scheduled to renew their rivalry in Manchester on Saturday for the vacant WBC world light-heavyweight title.
- Willy Hutchinson was knocked down twice by Buatsi in their September 2024 split-decision loss on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ win over Anthony Joshua, but has since won twice and earned a first world-title shot at 28; Buatsi is 33.
- BBC Sport’s 10 boxing figures split their picks 5-5: five forecast Buatsi and five forecast Hutchinson, leaving no consensus on the winner.
- Chantelle Cameron predicts Buatsi will stop Hutchinson between rounds nine and 12, while Tony Bellew also picks Buatsi, possibly by late stoppage.
- Carl Frampton calls it a competitive fight but edges Hutchinson on points, citing the earlier knockdowns and subsequent maturation; Ade Olapido rates it 55-45 for Buatsi.
- Denzel Bentley picks Buatsi on points while allowing a knockdown and says Hutchinson is too tough to stop; Zelfa Barrett also chooses Buatsi on points, citing Hutchinson’s weakness to the body.
- David Allen credits Hutchinson with improving massively, Viddal Riley sees him as fresher and more motivated, and Sam Jones calls him physically and mentally prime; Carl Frampton says Buatsi has maybe started to look old.
Why it matters: The 5-5 split leaves Saturday’s Manchester bout without an expert favorite. Buatsi, 33, is still seeking the WBC title he has not won, while Hutchinson, 28, has won twice since their first meeting and is contesting his first world title; neither outcome commands majority support.
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