Boxing
I've missed most of 2025 with serious injury but now I'm back and I want to fight Dmitry Bivol or David Benavidez
Watch Parker vs Wardley Oct 25 live on DAZN
Willy Hutchinson returns to action this weekend following a frustrating period that has massively halted his momentum.
In 2024, the Scottish star burst onto the radar at light-heavyweight as he featured on two high profile shows against quality opposition.
His reward for that performance was a Wembley showdown with Joshua Buatsi and although Hutchinson suffered a loss on the scorecards, he lost in the right manner, and he was relentless throughout and never stopped trying.
Moving forward to 2025 and Hutchinson was expected to take on another dangerous threat at 175lbs as Zach Parker was lined up to be his next opponent in the early part of the year.
Unfortunately, that fascinating showdown could not take place as Hutchinson suffered a dislocated shoulder meaning the fight with Parker would not go ahead.
The Derby man now moves into a fight with Buatsi on November 1 while Hutchinson faces Mark Jeffers this weekend with both fights being shown live on DAZN .
“It’s experience isn't it? I’ve never had an injury,” said Hutchinson during an exclusive sit-down with DAZN News .
“I’ve had sore legs and a sore shoulder, things that can be sorted in a few days. When I got the injury, it sickened me. It sickened me to the core.
“It wasn't very good. It was rubbish. But here I am, a few days away from returning from the ring and I want to finish the year as strong as I can.”
After sampling a taste of the big shows, both in Saudi and Britain, Hutchinson is eager to once again be back amongst them and his pathway to that platform takes in Jeffers on Saturday night.
After sharing the ring with Richards and Buatsi, and emerging with immense credit in both contests, Hutchinson has given himself a chance to demonstrate that he can compete at the highest level and he is eager to return there.
Light heavyweight is currently one of boxing’s most stacked divisions and with Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, and David Benavidez all occupying the top spots, Hutchinson is backing himself to make an impact if he receives an opportunity against any of the aforementioned names.
“Once I beat Jeffers, I believe I’m ready for them all. I’ve got this one in a few days, I wouldn't mind another one in December, and then I definitely want to become world champion in 2026.
“They all appeal to me. All of them, but I would prefer to fight Bivol or Benavidez as they’re the ones who have the world titles. The world titles mean everything. The other names are just a means to an end, and they’re fights that will take me to a world title. If I do what’s right, then my time will come.”
Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription
A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world's best promoters.
