Joshua Buatsi, Willy Hutchinson make weight for WBC title rematch

Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson both made weight on Friday ahead of their rematch for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title at Manchester's AO Arena.

Buatsi, 20-1 (13 KOs), weighed 174.9lbs, while Hutchinson, 20-2 (14 KOs), hit the scales at 174.5lbs.

More than two years have passed since their first encounter, which Buatsi won via split decision at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

On that occasion, Buatsi dropped Hutchinson twice but was forced to withstand a determined late rally from the Scot before emerging victorious. Regardless, Buatsi seemed like a worthy winner.

The stakes are considerably higher this time. What was initially scheduled as an interim championship contest was upgraded to a full WBC title fight following David Benavidez's decision to vacate the belt and move up to cruiserweight.

For Buatsi, 33, it represents perhaps the final opportunity to fulfill the promise he showed when winning bronze at the 2016 Olympics.

Hutchinson, 28, has been seeking a rematch since their first meeting and will be hoping to avenge that defeat while realizing his own world championship ambitions.

Both men enter the contest following victories earlier this year, Buatsi having defeated Zach Parker, albeit controversially, and Hutchinson overcoming Ezra Taylor.

On the undercard, light heavyweights Brad Rea and Ezra Taylor weighed 173.8lbs and 174.7lbs, respectively, for their 10-round encounter.

Jack Rafferty, meanwhile, weighed 146.9lbs for his welterweight contest, for the lightly-regarded IBO strap, against Hovhannes Martirosyan, who registered 146lbs.

British featherweight champion Zak Miller came in at 125.7lbs, with challenger Gully Powar slightly lighter at 125.5lbs.

Saturday's Queensberry Promotions event will be broadcast live on DAZN.