Joshua Buatsi-Willy Hutchinson claimed the interim WBO light-heavyweight belt

AFTER his outstanding performance on Saturday night Willy Hutchinson could face another Brit with a lot at stake.

The Scot's one-sided decision to defeat the more experienced Craig Richards caught the eye of many who watched the 25-year-old announce himself to the world.

After getting the first point on the board for Queensberry in their 5 vs. 5 and Matchroom Hutchinson was also awarded the WBC silver light-heavyweight title. However, news broke overnight that the WBO had ordered Hutchinson to face Joshua Buatsi for the vacant 175lbs interim title.

The purse bid order came after the WBO wrote that Anthony Yarde was “not interested” and “therefore, not available to fight” Buatsi for the belt that brought Hutchinson into the picture. Both Queensberry and Boxxer (promoters of Buatsi) now have 10 days to reach an agreement.

Artur Beterbiev, who holds the WBO overall title – as well as the WBC and IBF – will defend his belts against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol in the undisputed light-heavyweight title on October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two were scheduled to fight two nights ago (June 1) but Beterbiev pulled out with an injury leaving Bivol to defend Malik Zinad who defeated the Russian in the sixth round during the 5 vs. 5.

Hutchinson's win over Richards was the biggest of his career to date and proved his value to promoter Frank Warren despite not having a significant win since losing the British and Commonwealth titles to Lennox Clarke in March 2021.

Talking to Debate News after his victory on Saturday night Hutchinson had this to say to his doubters before he crossed the finish line.

“Listen, don't worry about it. Next time, he will fix it and thank you very much.”

Things could have been very different when Hutchinson decided to fight fire with fire in the 10th round and traded nasty shots with Richards that at one point looked like turning the fight in his favor.

“I like to take risks,” Hutchinson said.

“I like to take risks to get a biscuit. What's the point of life without risking it, innit? So, I enjoyed it. It was very difficult, very good and I won everything.”

Buatsi, the WBO's number one contender, began 2024 with a points win over his friend and former sparring partner Dan Azeez in February. The Londoner showed all sides to his game and silenced a few of his critics with his display in the home rivals of the Battle of the Year. Now, sadly, Buatsi is competing against Yarde, like Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder, it seems, is locked in the 'The Escape' record books.