Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson renew their rivalry for the vacant WBC world light-heavyweight title in Manchester on Saturday. The British rivals first met in a highly entertaining, hard-fought contest on the undercard of Daniel Dubois' win over Anthony Joshua in September 2024, with Londoner Buatsi, 33, twice knocking down Hutchinson before going on to win by split decision.
Londoner Buatsi, 33, twice knocked down Hutchinson before going on to win by split decision. Scotland's Hutchinson, 28, suffered the second defeat of his professional career that night but two wins since have put him in a position to fight for a first world title. Can Buatsi repeat his victory? Or will Hutchinson gain revenge in Manchester? BBC Sport spoke to figures from across the boxing world to get their predictions.
Chantelle Cameron - two-weight world championBuatsi may stop him this time in the later rounds. I think he gets it done between rounds nine and 12. Prediction - Buatsi
David Allen - British heavyweightWilly has improved massively since the first fight, whereas I'm not sure I could say the same for Joshua. Prediction - Hutchinson
Carl Frampton - former world championI think it'll be really competitive but I'm just edging Hutchinson to win on points with the run of form he's on. Prediction - Hutchinson
Viddal Riley - European cruiserweight championWilly Hutchinson will get the win - it's his time. Buatsi is a tough fighter and it won't be easy but when I look at who is fresh and who has the bit between their teeth a little more - I'm backing Hutchinson. Prediction - Hutchinson
Denzel Bentley - former WBO middleweight championBuatsi does things in his own time and he's finally got his shot. It comes at a great time for him, it could go two ways - he's either overconfident because he's beaten Willy or his confidence could be a good thing and he could step on it early and I think it's the second one. I can't see Willy getting stopped - he's tough - so I'm going Buatsi on points, but he might get a knockdown. Prediction - Buatsi
Tony Bellew - former cruiserweight world championIt's very rare people can turn the rematch around when they lose the first one. On that basis, I am going for Joshua Buatsi, possibly even by late stoppage. Prediction - Buatsi
Zelfa Barrett - former European super-featherweight championHutchinson is a good fighter; he's slick and sharp, but I think Buatsi has his number and wins on points. Prediction - Buatsi
Sam Jones - boxing managerWilly Hutchinson is in his physical and mental prime and I think he wins the fight. I've known Willy since he turned professional as an 18-year-old. He's always had the tools to be a world champion and I believe timing is everything in boxing. I believe he's also catching Buatsi at the right time. Prediction - Hutchinson
Darren Barker - former middleweight world championHutchinson is a man in form and looks like a man...
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing