Buatsi vs Hutchinson 2 upgraded to full WBC title fight after Benavidez vacates

Buatsi won their first fight by split decision at Wembley in 2024 and put Hutchinson down twice. The rematch is at the AO Arena in Manchester on 7 November.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Sat 10 Oct, 11:36 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Willy Hutchinson at a Queensberry press conference — Photo: Getty Images via The Ring

Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson will fight for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight world title in their rematch at the AO Arena in Manchester on 7 November, live on DAZN.

The WBC announced that David Benavidez has vacated the championship to campaign full-time at cruiserweight. The rematch had been sanctioned for the WBC interim title, and is now an all-British fight for a full world title.

Promoter Frank Warren had flagged that possibility when the fight was announced. "This is an enormous opportunity for both Joshua and Willy," Warren said. "The Interim title will secure one of them either a shot at the WBC world title or being upgraded should the champion vacate."

Buatsi won the first fight by split decision at Wembley Stadium on 21 September 2024, on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois, with the WBO interim title at stake. Hutchinson was knocked down twice. Two judges scored it 117-108 and 115-110 for Buatsi and the third had it 113-112 for Hutchinson.

Buatsi, 33, a bronze medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is 20-1 (13 KOs) and ranked No. 3 by the WBC. His only defeat came on a unanimous decision against Callum Smith in February 2025, and he returned with a majority decision against Zach Parker in November 2025.

Hutchinson, 28, from Carstairs in Scotland, is 20-2 (14 KOs) and ranked No. 6 by the WBC. Since the Wembley fight he has stopped Mark Jeffers in seven rounds in October 2025 and beaten Ezra Taylor by unanimous decision at Co-op Live in Manchester on 28 March 2026, on scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.

Taylor is also on the 7 November card, against Bradley Rea, who defends his WBA Intercontinental light-heavyweight title.