WBO order Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson for their Interim light-heavyweight title
Ben Shalom of BOXXER and Frank Warren have been given 10 days by the WBO to negotiate before purse bids are called.
Scotland’s Willy Hutchinson (18-1, 13KO) defeated Craig Richards on points at the weekend in Saudi Arabia to lift the WBC Silver light-heavyweight title.
Buatsi was due to face Anthony Yarde but negotiations have stalled after Yarde became caught up in a contract dispute with Queensberry after his deal expired.
The World Boxing Organisation listed their reasons for accepting #6 ranked Hutchinson:
(i) Hutchinson holds a respectable record comprised of 18 wins with only 1 loss; 13 of said wins by way of knockout (KO). Further, the proposed contender was an outstanding and highly decorated amateur, who currently is on a six fight winning streak.
Moreover, Hutchinson has been very active in the Light Heavyweight Division, most notably winning his last professional outing on June 2, 2024, against former world-title challenger Craig Richards in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia.
Notwithstanding the foregoing arguments, Queensberry highlights that Hutchinson is more deserving of the opportunity in comparison to other contenders considering that occupying the number six position in the WBO World Light Heavyweight Ratings, he defeated another world-rated contender in Craig Richards, who occupied the number 15 position in our ratings, respectively.
Lastly, Mr. Ayling [Queensberry Promotions Matchmaker] confirms that if the Committee grants Hutchinson the opportunity, he would be immediately available, ready, willing, and able to compete in interim championship contest against Buatsi.