LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT contender Willy Hutchinson has set his sights on a rematch with Joshua Buatsi, hoping to exact his revenge sooner rather than later.
The pair locked horns last September, delivering an enthralling 12-round spectacle before Buatsi, 19-1 (13 KOs), who floored his domestic rival twice, emerged with a split decision victory.
Hutchinson, 18-2 (13 KOs), however, gave a titanic effort to hear the final bell, utilising his elusive movement while, in equal measure, demonstrating a tremendous chin.
Before that, ‘The Hutch Train’ had pulled off an upset to outpoint Craig Richards, only for an injury following the Buatsi defeat to then temporarily stall his promising career.
As it happened, Hutchinson was supposed to face Zach Parker last February, but after dislocating and tearing his left shoulder, he was ultimately forced to pull out of their contest.
Regarding his training set-up, meanwhile, the Scot has since joined forces with head coach Shane McGuigan, taking himself away from his home comforts in a bid to reach world honours.
But before launching a title charge at 175lbs, Hutchinson must first get back to winning ways on a date that is yet to be announced.
As for Buatsi, a defeat to Callum Smith – albeit following an electric performance in February – has left him without a clear route towards his first world title shot.
For Hutchinson, then, a second encounter with Buatsi makes perfect sense, with the winner, in turn, putting himself in a far stronger position moving forward.
But while that opportunity may arise later this year, the 26-year-old remains fully focused, at this moment in time, on securing his next assignment.
“I’m just waiting on this fight date, then it’s time to rock and roll,” Hutchinson told Boxing News.
“I’m down here [in London] for a purpose; I’m down here to become a world champion, so I’m doing nothing else but training, eating and sleeping.
“Hopefully, after this next fight, I’ll get my rematch [with Buatsi] – that’s the plan; I want to put that right.
“There’s no excuses, but I believe that next time, I’ll get him. Either way, I’m one or two fights away from my world title.
“I just want to be happy, stay focused and become a world champion. I’ve got it all in the tank.”
