Buatsi vs Hutchinson preview: Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson renew hostilities in a world title rematch in Manchester on Saturday. Check out our Buatsi vs Hutchinson prediction below.
Buatsi and Hutchinson battle for the vacant WBC light heavyweight world title at the AO Arena. The clash is available to watch live worldwide on DAZN. While, the winner will become a world champion for the first time.
The pair are over two years removed from their first clash. In that fight, Buatsi dropped Hutchinson twice en route to a split decision victory to capture the WBO interim light heavyweight crown.
Buatsi was forced to weather a late storm, but put himself in the driving seat for a maiden world title shot.
However, Callum Smith dashed his hopes in his very next outing. The 33-year-old slumped to a unanimous decision defeat to his British rival. Furthermore, the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist scraped past Zach Parker last November in a bout many believed should have been awarded to Parker.
Meanwhile, Hutchinson has been in good form since their last meeting. The Scot stopped Mark Jeffers before outpointing Ezra Taylor in March.
Hutchinson has questioned what his rival has left in the build-up. That said, if Buatsi can produce a similar display to their first bout, it seems difficult to predict anything other than a win for him again.
Buatsi vs Hutchinson prediction: Hutchinson is the slight favourite with the bookmakers. However, I expect Buatsi to win again by decision.
Rafferty meets Martirosyan, Rea faces Taylor
Elsewhere on the Buatsi vs Hutchinson 2 undercard, Jack Rafferty clashes with Hovhannes Martirosyan for the vacant IBO welterweight title.
Rafferty retired Ekow Essuman in six rounds in May. Meanwhile, Martirosyan has scored four wins since a ninth round knockout defeat to Pierce O’Leary in 2024.
Prediction: Rafferty should stop Martirosyan.
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In a crossroads light heavyweight clash, Bradley Rea faces the aforementioned Ezra Taylor.
Rea breathed new life into his career with a fourth round stoppage of Liam Cameron in May. On the other hand, Taylor has not fought since defeat to Hutchinson in March.
Prediction: Rea can win on points.
Buatsi vs Hutchinson Preview – Remaining Undercard
Also on the Buatsi vs Hutchinson preview, Zak Miller can regain the British featherweight title with a points win over Gully Powar. Stephen Clarke can do the same against Harley Collison in their middleweight meeting.
John Joe Carrigan should secure another early win against Cheikh Diop at super welterweight and Javokhir Ummataliev can also win by knockout against Atacayte Santana at super middleweight.
Light heavyweight Billy Deniz should outpoint Joe O’Sullivan and Tumi Phillips can also win on points against Angelo Dragone in their super lightweight clash.
Rounding off the Buatsi vs Hutchinson preview, Ryan Macmillan will likely need all six rounds to see off Grant Dennis at 175 pounds. Alex Arthur Jr can do the same against Jose Aguirre in their super middleweight bout.
