Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson 2 press conference quotes and fight prediction
Joshua Buatsi (20-1, 13 KOs) and Willy Hutchinson (20-2, 14 KOs) will soon clash in a rematch for the vacant WBC light heavyweight world championship.
Their bout headlines a Queensberry Promotions card at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. Fight fans around the world will be able to catch the action live on DAZN. This will be the second time these two meet in the ring. Buatsi won their first encounter by split decision in 2024.
Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Nov. 7 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson 2 press conference quotes
Joshua Buatsi
“It’s simply the right time [for me to be challenging for a world title],” said Buatsi. “Yeah we’ve all got different opinions and times when we would’ve wanted something to happen, but it’s happening this Saturday.”
“Camp’s been good. It’s always a hard one to be away from your loved ones, your family, your friends, but I know it’s the price to pay. In a weird way, I happily do it. So we got that out of the way and now we wait till Saturday.”
Willy Hutchinson
“Well, I’m really looking forward to this fight,” said Hutchinson. “It’s been two years ago since we was in the ring and it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been waiting me time. We was supposed to box, actually, a couple of times and names got mentioned and if the truth be known, he wouldn’t have fought me unless it was for the world title. I’m looking forward to this and it’s killing two birds with one stone, isn’t it? Becoming world champion and putting the wrong right and looking good while doing it.”
“We went to the changing room after [our first] fight and I said to him ‘I want a rematch.’ He said ‘come on Willy. Just done 12 rounds.’ I said ‘I’m telling ya I’ll get ya.’ And here I am two years later. I believe this is my time now and it’s been a long time coming, man. I’m just ready to fight. I’m feeling good, strong, good looking as ever, and I’m ready to rock and roll.”
The Big Fight Weekend verdict
Prediction courtesy of Ricky Carroll: Buatsi was an accomplished amateur, winning an Olympic bronze medal for Great Britain in 2016. Since turning professional, it’s fair to say he hasn’t hit the highs that were expected of him. When he’s at his best, his movement enables him to control the distance effectively in his fights. His heart cannot be questioned; he showed plenty against Callum Smith, despite losing. Buatsi wastes very little when he fights, making it difficult for his opponents to counter him.
Hutchinson was a brilliant amateur, bringing many of those attributes into the pro ranks, such as the timing of his punches. The Scot has slick footwork and has shown his class at times during his career. He has a good jab, and when he uses that and works off of it, we see the best of Hutchinson.
This will be a close fight, but I liked what I saw from Hutchinson against Taylor, and I am tipping him to get his revenge and become the WBC light heavyweight champion.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Queensberry Promotions.
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Featured image credit
Queensberry Promotions
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.