Willy Hutchinson Could be About to get Rich

"Canelo" Alvarez once held a belt at light heavyweight, having knocked out an ageing Sergei Kovalev for the WBO version. It was thought at the time, that the Mexican legend would roar through the light heavyweight division with the same ease that saw him dominate from welterweight to super middle.

But the WBA champion, Russia's Dmitry Bivol proved to be too fresh, too big and too mobile, and he handed Alvarez his second defeat ever. 

That defeat brought his campaign at 175 to an end. It looked like Canelo was simply too small to topple the top men at the higher weight.

But could Canelo be planning another move up? There are reports that the WBC belt that was recently acquired by Scotland's Willy Hutchinson, could be in Canelo's crosshairs. 

A cynical observer might suggest that Willy represents a relatively easy route to the prestigious green belt at 175. The title the Scot won was vacant, following David Benavidez' move up to Cruiserweight, and the man he beat to win it was a faded version of Joshua Buatsi. Buatsi had floored and outpointed Hutchinson in their first match in 2024.

But Willy has improved since that contest, and at 28, is probably around his peak. He is absolutely brimming with self-confidence these days and while he may not be the Second Coming of Muhammad Ali, his swagger in the ring suggests he believes he's boxing's next superstar.

On the flip side, Hutchinson can be endearingly down-to-earth outside of the ring. He was interviewed on TalkSPORT while sitting in his pyjamas in his mum's kitchen. The washing machine behind him made an unusual backdrop for a world champion. 

He had his WBC belt to hand to show to the camera but he confessed that his other belts were stored under his parents' bed. Willy has certainly not let his success go to his head, and I suspect his determination to be a "normal guy' will win the hearts of many new fans.

But the modesty evaporates when he talks about prospective opponents. He dismisses Canelo as "too small" and said he would "terrorise him."

Willy has other attractive options if the Canelo fight doesn't materialise. Matchroom's showboating switch-hitter, Ben Whittaker is in the running for a title shot and was at ringside for Hutchinson vs Buatsi. Willy said he would love to torture him by ringing him throughout the night. I hope for Ben's sake that Willy doesn't have his number.

Another possibility is Anthony Yarde. Yarde is known for being rewarded with world title shots for bowling over C-grade opponents. He's undeservedly challenged for a world title three times, and predictably failed in each attempt. He's a fun fighter to watch though and as brave as they come. 

in any case, 2027 should be a rewarding year for Willy Hutchinson.