Buatsi booed at weigh-in before world title bout
Scotland's Hutchinson and Londoner Buatsi meet again at Manchester's AO Arena after Buatsi's split-decision win in their first contest.
Quick Look
- Joshua Buatsi was booed by Willy Hutchinson supporters at the weigh-in for their WBC light-heavyweight title rematch at Manchester's AO Arena.
- Hutchinson, 28, made weight first amid cheers, while Buatsi, 33, had to be weighed twice after initially coming in an ounce over the limit.
- Buatsi holds a 20-1 professional record; Hutchinson is 20-2.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Buatsi won their first contest by split decision just over two years ago. Saturday's contest was initially for the interim WBC title but was upgraded when American David Benavidez gave up the WBC gold to move up to cruiserweight.
Joshua Buatsi was booed by the supporters of Willy Hutchinson at the weigh-in for their WBC light-heavyweight title fight on Saturday.
Scotland's Hutchinson and Buatsi meet in a rematch at Manchester's AO Arena, just over two years after the Londoner earned a split-decision win in a thrilling first contest.
As the pair stepped on the scales at Manchester's Freight Island, Buatsi cupped his ears and encouraged the jeers from Hutchinson's fanbase.
"He's talking like we haven't done it before but we have. I'm excited about the crowd - I'll see you all there," Buatsi said.
Saturday's contest was initially for the interim title but was upgraded when American David Benavidez gave up the WBC gold to move up to cruiserweight.
Hutchinson, 28, was first to step on to the scales at Friday's ceremonial weigh-in and was greeted by huge cheers from his boisterous following.
Buatsi, however, had to be weighed twice in the official weigh-in on Friday morning after he was initially an ounce (28 grammes) over the light-heavyweight limit.
The 33-year-old made the championship weight of 12st 7lb (79kg) at the second attempt after taking his clothes off, with Hutchinson then making a derogatory reference to Buatsi being overweight when they came face to face later in the evening.
Buatsi, who won Olympic bronze in 2016, goes into the biggest fight of his career with a record of 20 wins and one defeat as a professional.
Hutchinson, the first Scottish boxer to win gold at an amateur World Championships, also has a record of 20 wins and two defeats.
Open Questions
- What is the exact date of the rematch?
- What were the official weigh-in weights for both fighters?
- What was the derogatory reference Hutchinson made about Buatsi's weight?
