Willy Hutchinson Shocks Craig Richards with Unanimous Decision Victory in Saudi Arabia

Hailing from Carstairs, Scotland, Willy Hutchinson promised to deliver a knockout against Craig Richards throughout the week leading up to their bout. While he didn't achieve that, he still surprised many by securing a thrilling, well-deserved 12-round unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 117-111, and 119-109, giving Queensberry Promotions a strong start in the first match of the "5 vs 5" card in Saudi Arabia.

Hutchinson, boasting a record of 18-1 with 13 KOs, expressed his confidence post-fight, saying, "What have I not going for me? I'm young, hungry and handsome, and I'm ready to take over the world. Look at me."

Once regarded as one of Britain's most promising boxing talents, Hutchinson turned professional after winning the World Youth Championships in 2016. His professional ascent hit a snag when he suffered an upset loss to Lennox Clarke in five rounds while contesting for the vacant British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles. Since that setback, the 25-year-old had been on a comeback trail, winning four bouts against lesser opponents compared to the seasoned Craig Richards.

Richards, a skilled Londoner, came into the fight with significant experience, having narrowly lost to Joshua Buatsi in 2022 and taken rounds from Dmitry Bivol in an unsuccessful bid for the WBA light heavyweight title. This background made Hutchinson an underdog in this "5 vs 5" encounter.
From the opening round, Hutchinson, showcasing fluidity by switching stances, tried to assert himself with aggressive overhand blows, though they initially missed their mark. Richards, known for being a slow starter, remained composed, aiming to establish his jab and control the pace.

In the second round, Hutchinson landed a significant left hand, followed by a right cross, marking the first noteworthy blows of the fight. Richards, now under the guidance of trainer Shane McGuigan, attempted to hold his ground but struggled against Hutchinson's exuberant offence.

By the end of the third round, Hutchinson had landed several strong rights, making it hard for Richards to see a path back. Hutchinson's pressure intensified in the fourth, with a right hand that visibly shook the favourite.

The fifth round saw increased action as Hutchinson's pressure mounted. Despite being admonished by his corner for sportsmanlike glove taps, Richards was rocked by lefts and lead right hands. Hutchinson's unexpected ease in handling Richards compared to Bivol and Buatsi stood out by the halfway mark. Growing in confidence, Hutchinson looked primed for an upset.

In the seventh and eighth rounds, Richards, nine years Hutchinson's senior, showed signs of recovery. Hutchinson entered the eighth round for the first time, and Richards began connecting with his lead punches, hinting at a possible comeback.

Despite Hutchinson's evident fatigue, as McGuigan noted from the corner in the ninth round, Richards ended the round stronger. However, with three rounds remaining, the task seemed daunting for Richards.

The tenth round saw both fighters running on empty, escalating the drama. Hutchinson's punches became less precise, and he absorbed more right hooks, including a heavy blow from Richards that briefly left Hutchinson looking vulnerable. The wild eleventh round had Hutchinson on the brink of being knocked out, only for him to fire back tenaciously.

Remarkably, Hutchinson found a second wind in the final round, even performing an Ali shuffle, which seemed to sap the last of Richards' resolve. The fight ended with Hutchinson's energy overshadowing Richards, who couldn't muster a final push.

The bout was an exhilarating start to the night. Hutchinson's victory speech highlighted his journey, "I've been through so much, I've had a hard life and I've rose to the top. Thank you to Frank Warren for believing in me."