Willy Hutchinson Sets Sights on Buatsi Rematch Following Mark Jeffers Bout

Willy Hutchinson returns to the ring this Saturday night in Glasgow, stepping into the spotlight for the first time on home soil in seven years. His opponent, Mark Jeffers, poses a tough challenge — one Hutchinson isn’t taking lightly. But beyond this fight lies a deeper goal: settling the score from a pivotal defeat almost a year ago.

Rewind to summer 2024. Hutchinson, speaking to Boxing News from his car in a supermarket parking lot, was riding high. Fresh off a career-best win over Craig Richards, confidence was soaring ahead of a clash with Olympic medallist Joshua Buatsi. Despite being less experienced, Hutchinson boldly declared, “He’s a good strong operator but he’s not good enough to beat me.”

The buildup was intense, with Hutchinson’s sharp words rattling Buatsi at times. Yet, under Wembley Stadium’s bright lights, it was Buatsi who edged out a split decision victory, knocking Hutchinson down twice. A tough night for the Scot, he simply wasn’t at his best.

Now, almost a year on, Hutchinson is back home, his trademark bravado reignited but tempered with the urgency of accelerating his career. A rematch with Buatsi, his new stablemate at Queensberry Promotions, is firmly on his radar. “My focus is on Mark [Jeffers], but once I’ve done what I’ve got to do, 100% I want to rematch Buatsi next,” Hutchinson told BN. “I’d like to put that right, definitely.”

Reflecting on the Buatsi loss, Hutchinson keeps it brief: “It wasn’t my night, was it? It was just one of those things.”

Earlier this year, Hutchinson teamed up with trainer Shane McGuigan, announcing on Instagram in April: “This is going to be special. I’m now being trained by Shane McGuigan… Buckle up, this is going to be a frightening combination.” That partnership has since ended, with Hutchinson returning to his roots and reconnecting with Mirko Wolf in Spain. “Nothing happened,” he explains of the split. “I just wasn’t feeling right. If I’m going to do this boxing game, I’m at least going to be happy. Boxing’s too hard if you’re not.”

Known for his “all or nothing” approach, Hutchinson admits he lives life to the extreme — whether eating or training, he pushes himself to the limit. But he’s also taken time to reflect and grow. “The Hutchinson of 2024 was immature. I was like a kid trying to take over the world. Now, I believe I’m more mature. I’m a man.”

Jeffers is no easy opponent. Once tipped as Britain’s top super-middleweight prospect, the Chorley fighter comes off a recent loss but remains dangerous. Hutchinson knows he must be at his best: “I’m expecting the trickiest Mark Jeffers and I cannot wait to get back in front of a Scottish crowd and perform. I’m coming back home to Lanarkshire. Can’t wait to put a masterclass on and push on with my career. I’ve wasted enough time. I’m ready to become world champion.”

Currently ranked in the WBC top 10, Hutchinson is within reach of a world title shot. Above him are big names like Buatsi, Anthony Yarde, David Morrell, Artur Beterbiev, and champion David Benavidez. Promoter Frank Warren’s influence in the division might help shape a domestic tournament — something Hutchinson welcomes: “I think we should have a tournament of all that was in it. It would be good.”

For Hutchinson, becoming world champion is more than a dream — it’s a childhood prophecy. At 13, scribbled in a notebook in his father’s van in Sweden, were his ambitions: Scottish, British, European, and world amateur champion — and, in bubble letters, WBC world champion. “I’ve still got the same book to this day,” he smiles.

Asked what he’d write in it now, he says simply: “Thank you, because that’s what got me to where I’m at already. That stupid story is a massive part of my life.”

Above all, Hutchinson cherishes the happiness he’s found along the way. “This happiness is within me – Willy Hutchinson. I’m very hard on myself and don’t forgive myself easily. But I’m working on that every day, and I’m getting better. I’ve had the right people around me and I’m helping myself.”

And with that mindset, the journey continues — stronger and more focused than ever.